Esmat Husseinkhel

Esmat Husseinkhel
Nationality: Belgium
Position: Bowler
Date of Birth: 1996-12-31 Age: 28

Bio

Career Stats

Fixtures

Teams

Born on the last day of 1996, Esmat Husseinkhel grew up in the dusty, cricket-loving streets of Kabul, Afghanistan. From an early age, Esmat showed an innate aptitude for cricket, often skipping meals to perfect his increasingly promising bowling skills in makeshift backstreet games. It wasn't long before his potential caught the eye of local scouts. By the age of 15, he entered Afghanistan's Under-19 squad—not just as an aspiring player, but as a bowler with a flair for versatility.

Esmat’s professional breakthrough came amid Afghanistan's rapid rise in international cricket. In 2017, he made his much-anticipated debut for the national team, quickly establishing himself as a pivotal component in Afghanistan's bowling attack. His ability to switch seamlessly between pace and spin gave him an edge over competitors. This adaptability was on full display during the 2018 Asia Cup, where his vital breakthroughs played a substantial role in Afghanistan's surprise victories over established teams.

One of Esmat's most celebrated contributions came in 2019 during a dramatic match against Pakistan in the World Cup. Tensions ran high, and every ball seemed to heighten the intensity. Husseinkhel's final over—a masterclass in both spin and seam deliveries—secured a near-impossible victory that had cricket pundits worldwide buzzing, thus cementing his place in Afghan cricket folklore.

Beyond individual matches, Esmat’s career is highlighted by his integral role in Afghanistan's success at the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, where his consistent performances helped his team reach the semi-finals. It was a testament to his skill and hard work, qualities that had shaped his career since those nascent nights under streetlights. He also shone brightly in various franchise competitions, becoming a sought-after player for Twenty20 leagues across the globe.

Despite being primarily known for his bowling, Esmat has never been a pushover with the bat. His adaptable batting approach often sees him shuffling down the order to rescue the team from precarious situations. His gritty innings against the West Indies in Sharjah, where he led the tail to an improbable win, is still remembered with warm admiration.

Esmat Husseinkhel remains a beacon of Afghan cricket's journey to resilience and competitiveness on the world stage. His career, marked by determination and skill, is a living inspiration for many young aspirants in his homeland and beyond.