Malik Mushtaq

Malik Mushtaq
Nationality: Italy
Position: Bowler
Date of Birth: 2001-01-01 Age: 24

Bio

Career Stats

Fixtures

Teams

Born on the 1st of January, 2001, in Lahore, Malik Mushtaq’s journey into the world of cricket is a tale of sheer determination and raw talent, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Pakistani cricket. From the dusty gulleys of his neighbourhood to the illustrious arenas of international cricket, Mushtaq’s rise has been nothing short of inspiring.

From a young age, Mushtaq exhibited an extraordinary talent with the ball that quickly caught the attention of local coaches. By the age of 16, he had cemented his place in the provincial under-19 team, showcasing a natural flair for swing bowling, adept at both reverse swing and conventional swing. It wasn’t long before he earned a spot in the national youth setup, paving his way towards a professional debut.

His professional breakthrough came in 2019 when he was drafted into the Lahore Qalandars squad in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Mushtaq’s performances in the PSL soon captured the imaginations of selectors and fans alike. Seamlessly transitioning to international cricket, he made his ODI debut for Pakistan in 2021 against South Africa, instantly making an impact by claiming a four-wicket haul.

Over the years, Mushtaq has amassed a collection of achievements that speak volumes of his contributions to the game. Among them, his record-breaking 7/28 against India in an electrifying T20 International in 2022 stands out, ending a 10-year losing streak against their arch-rivals and cementing his status as a national hero.

Mushtaq cultivates a dynamic playing style, marked by his versatility. His adaptable batting, though often overshadowed by his bowling prowess, has provided crucial innings lower down the order, frustrating opponents expecting a meek tail-ender. But it’s with the ball that he truly shines, wowing crowds with his ability to adapt effortlessly to different formats, changing pace, and expertly exploiting varying pitch conditions.

Notable matches, like the nerve-racking final against England in the 2023 World Cup, displayed his mettle, where he defended a mere 15 runs in the final over, securing victory and sending waves of joy across his homeland.

Malik Mushtaq's career is a testament to the beautiful unpredictability of cricket. His story is laced with moments of personal brilliance and significant feats that have left an indelible impact on the sport. As he continues to evolve, his journey serves as a beacon of hope and aspiration for budding cricketers in Pakistan and beyond.