Yousaf Alikhail

Yousaf Alikhail, born on 1st January 2000, in the vibrant cityscape of Lahore, Pakistan, has grown into one of cricket's most fascinating bowling talents. Yousaf's cricketing odyssey began in the bustling neighbourhood streets, where he honed his skills with a ragged tennis ball. Despite the modest beginnings, his raw passion for the game was apparent and infectious. By the age of 12, he had secured a spot in a local cricket academy, where his coaches immediately recognised his potential with the ball in hand.

Yousaf's journey to the professional arena was a tale of unyielding determination. He made his first-class debut in 2018 for his home team, embodying an impressive blend of pace and spin—a unique dual-threat that puzzled batsmen and made selectors sit up. His burgeoning reputation quickly accompanied him to the national stage. In 2020, Yousaf donned the national colours for the first time in a T20I against a formidable Australian side, announcing his arrival with three wickets that left the cricketing world buzzing.

Major achievements have since cascaded. By 2023, Yousaf claimed the record for the youngest bowler to secure a five-wicket haul in Test cricket against England. His role was pivotal in leading his country to the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy the same year. As exhilarating as his record-breaking feats have been, his career-defining moments were often crafted in the heat of fierce rivalries—none more intense than against arch-nemesis, India, where he consistently rose to the occasion with game-changing spells.

Yousaf's playing style is a dynamic spectacle. Originally pegged as purely a bowler, his adaptable batting approach has seen him evolved into a handy lower-order contributor, often frustrating opponents with crucial runs. As a bowler, he is a master of deception—mixing judicious changes of pace with a beguiling array of spin, catching even the best batsmen on their back foot. His versatility makes him a captain's delight, able to fill any role with aplomb.

One cannot overlook his spellbinding performance against South Africa in a series-deciding Test in Johannesburg, where he clinched a match-winning hat-trick. Each delivery was a session of artistry and calculation, epitomising his impact on the game. Yousaf Alikhail continues to carve his legacy with every match, turning potential into palpable reality and pulling every onlooker into the enchanting tapestry of his cricketing journey.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats