Sahargul Shirzad

Sahargul Shirzad, born on New Year's Day 2001, was destined to make a mark in the world of cricket from an early age. Growing up in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sahargul was mesmerised by the game and spent countless hours emulating cricketing heroes in the dusty streets, using whatever equipment he could find. His journey from these humble beginnings to professional cricket is nothing short of inspirational.

Sahargul's talent was undeniable, and by his late teens, he was already setting local tournaments alight with his aggressive batting style. Known for his adaptable approach, Sahargul could switch from solid defence to powerful hitting with ease — a flexibility that would become one of his greatest strengths as his career progressed. His technique was not textbook but effective, relying on quick reflexes and an impeccable sense for timing.

The turning point came when he was scouted during an under-19 Afghan Premier tournament. His stellar performance as an opening batsman, where he notched up a breathtaking 150-run innings, caught the national selectors' attention. This drove him to debut for the Afghanistan national team in early 2020 against a formidable Pakistani side. His innings of 63 not out in a tense ODI match was crucial and etched his name into the minds of cricket fans globally as Afghanistan clinched a memorable victory.

Throughout his career, Sahargul has been at the heart of many a nail-biting finish, often crossing swords with fierce competitors from South Asian teams. His rivalry with India's top bowlers became legendary, notable for a series during which he scored back-to-back centuries while deftly navigating spin and pace alike.

Aside from his batting prowess, Sahargul is no slouch with the ball, though he is not often called upon to bowl. His part-time leg-spin has taken crucial wickets against opposing teams, showcasing his versatility and cricket intelligence.

A pivotal moment in his career arrived during the 2023 World Cup, where he not only led Afghanistan to their first semi-final appearance with three 50-plus scores but also inspired a new generation of Afghan cricketers with his passion and commitment. Sahargul Shirzad's career, rich with significant achievements and thrilling performances, continues to influence and invigorate the cricketing world, promising many more exciting innings in the years to come.

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Bowling Stats