Dawlat Zadran, a flamboyant cricket player hailing from Afghanistan, is best known for his expressive and homespun bowling action, reminiscent of the legendary Waqar Younis. This action allows him to generate disarming pace with a quick arm over a braced front leg, making him a formidable force on the cricket field.
Born in Khost, Afghanistan, Zadran made his List A debut in Islamabad in 2011. This match held great significance as it marked Afghanistan’s return to international cricket in Pakistan since the dreadful terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009. Zadran’s exceptional speed and wicket-taking ability immediately caught the attention of selectors, catapulting him into the national side’s playing XI.
Zadran’s prowess was truly on display during the 2014 Asia Cup when he clocked an impressive 145.3kph. His exceptional pace brought a unique dynamic to the Afghanistan team, which is seldom seen in Associate sides. As Afghanistan’s leading fast bowler, he played a pivotal role in their successful T20 World Cup qualifying campaign in 2011-12. Zadran represented his country in the 2012 and 2014 T20 World Cups, leaving an indelible mark on the international stage. He also proudly donned the national jersey in the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cups, further strengthening his reputation on the global cricketing platform.
Known for his ability to take wickets when it mattered most, Zadran emerged as the leading wicket-taker in Afghanistan’s limited-overs series against Zimbabwe in the UAE in 2015-16, taking an impressive tally of 15 wickets across both ODIs and T20Is. In early 2017, he showcased his proficiency once again in an ODI series against Ireland in Greater Noida, amassing 11 wickets and playing a significant role in Afghanistan’s series win.
Aside from his bowling prowess, Zadran has also proved his mettle with the bat on several occasions. Renowned for providing handy contributions down the order, he demonstrated his big-hitting ability by smashing four sixes in just seven deliveries. His blistering innings helped Afghanistan secure a memorable last-over victory against Zimbabwe in 2014, allowing his team to level the series.
Zadran’s remarkable skill set and unwavering dedication to his craft have earned him a prominent place in the history of Afghan cricket. His performances continue to inspire aspiring cricketers in Afghanistan, encouraging them to strive for excellence.
Dawlat Zadran has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Afghan cricket. With his unique bowling action, express pace, and remarkable skill set, he has consistently proved himself as an invaluable asset to the national team. Zadran’s story serves as an inspiration not only to his fellow countrymen but also to cricket enthusiasts around the world.
