Abdul-Haq Utmanzai

Abdul-Haq Utmanzai, born on the 1st of January 1990, has carved a distinct niche for himself in the world of cricket with his dynamic presence on the field as a right-arm fast-medium bowler and a right-hand bat. The journey from his early days, growing up in the cricket-loving neighbourhoods of Peshawar, to becoming a celebrated figure in international cricket, is a testament to his dedication and hard work.

From a young age, Utmanzai was fascinated by the art of pace bowling. His unyielding passion saw him tirelessly practising in the streets, where he honed his skills and developed a rather unique bowling style that combines sheer pace with lethal accuracy. His professional debut came rather auspiciously during the 2009 domestic season, where his fiery spells quickly caught the selectors' eyes, paving the way for his entry into the national squad.

Utmanzai's career is sprinkled with remarkable achievements. Among his achievements, the 2015 ICC World Cup stands out when he was instrumental in leading his team to the semi-finals, ending the tournament as one of the leading wicket-takers. His penchant for performing in high-pressure situations saw him excel in not just major tournaments, but in fiercely contested bilateral series which have become part of cricket folklore.

A particularly memorable year was 2018, during a Test series against arch-rivals India, where his match-winning five-for in the third Test at Lahore swung the momentum decisively in his team's favour, sealing a memorable series win. Over the years, Utmanzai has developed intense rivalries with some of the finest batsmen of his era, none more competitive than his on-field duels with India's vintage opener Vikram Chaudhary, a rivalry reminiscent of cricket's greatest contests.

His playing style—characterised by a smooth, rhythmic run-up and ability to extract bounce from the flattest of pitches—often leaves even the stoutest of batsmen questioning their shot choices. Though primarily a bowler, his lower-order batting can’t be overlooked. His cool-headedness has saved his team from precarious situations, adding valuable runs when most needed.

Abdul-Haq Utmanzai may have had complex turns in his cricketing path, yet his unwavering spirit and impactful performances have undeniably left an indelible mark on the sport, making him an inspiration for emerging cricketers around the globe.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats