Zia Shahzad

Zia Shahzad
Nationality: USA
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Legbreak Googly
Date of Birth: 1996-06-18 Age: 29

Bio

Career Stats

Fixtures

Teams

Born on 18th June 1996 in the sprawling suburbs of the United States, Zia Shahzad's foray into cricket was as unconventional as it was inspiring. With the sport often overshadowed by baseball and basketball in his homeland, Zia's passion for cricket was ignited by weekend games in neighbourhood parks, organised by a vibrant Indian and Pakistani diaspora determined to keep the spirit of the game alive on foreign shores.

Zia's cricketing journey took a significant turn during his teenage years, as he began to hone his skills as a versatile all-rounder. With a right-handed bat in hand and a natural flair for legbreaks and googlies, his prowess caught the attention of scouts, leading him to represent a local league that was a melting pot of budding talents from diverse backgrounds.

Zia's professional debut came with aplomb, as he played his way into the United States national team during a bustling Twenty20 series. His contribution in the middle order, combined with his deceptive leg spin, quickly garnered attention on the international stage. One of his career-defining performances came in a thrilling match against Canada, where his all-around skills were pivotal in securing a last-over victory, a contest that fuelled a friendly yet fierce rivalry between the two neighbours.

Throughout his career, Zia notched up numerous achievements, becoming one of the few players to score over 2000 runs and take 100 wickets in the US cricket setup. His adaptability and strategic acumen led the team to several championships and regional trophies, firmly establishing him as one of the stalwarts of American cricket.

Zia's playing style was a beautiful symphony of aggression and poise. As a batsman, his ability to anchor the innings while accelerating at crucial junctures made him a cornerstone of any line-up. His legbreak googlies, often unleashed with an added flick of the wrist, had batsmen guessing and kept audiences on their toes.

Among many notable moments, his standout performance in the 2021 ICC Americas Championship left an indelible mark, where his all-round display steered his team to an unforeseen victory, showcasing his profound impact on the game. Despite cricket's budding status in the USA, Zia Shahzad emerged as a symbol of its rising potential, inspiring a new generation of enthusiasts dreaming of cricketing glory amidst the land of stars and stripes.