Mohammad Nawaz, born on March 21, 1994, is a talented cricketer hailing from Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Starting his cricket journey at the young age of 14, Nawaz quickly caught the attention of selectors with his skills as a left-arm medium-fast bowler and a middle-order batsman.
In 2008, Nawaz had a remarkable all-round performance in an inter-region Under-16 tournament, where he scored an impressive 60 runs and took a four-for against Sialkot while representing Rawalpindi. This exceptional display earned him a spot in the Pakistan side for the International Under-15 Championship held in the West Indies. It was during this tournament, on the slow Caribbean pitches, that Nawaz realized the potential of his left-arm spin bowling. Under the guidance of coach Ameer Akbar and team manager Haroon Rashid, he decided to make the transition and honed his skills to become a spin-bowling allrounder.
Although Nawaz had initially studied at FG Boys School in Rawalpindi, his passion and dedication towards cricket led him to discontinue his college education in order to fully commit himself to the sport. This proved to be a wise decision as Nawaz showcased exceptional performance in the early stages of his first-class career. From his debut in 2012 onwards, he notched up three incredible first-class centuries and seven half-centuries, accumulating a total of 1440 runs at an impressive average of 24.4. Additionally, he also made his mark with the ball, picking up 44 wickets during this period.
Nawaz’s abilities did not go unnoticed, and he was given a chance to participate in the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2016, representing the Quetta Gladiators. He proved to be a valuable asset for his team, finishing the tournament as the third-highest wicket-taker with 13 dismissals. His outstanding performance in the PSL earned him a spot in Pakistan’s Twenty20 (T20) squad for the 2016 Asia Cup held in Bangladesh. Just a few months later, Nawaz received another milestone in his career when he was selected in the One-Day International (ODI) side for the tour of England and Ireland.
With his excellent bowling skills, Nawaz has consistently troubled batsmen, using his spin to deceive and outwit them. His ability to generate turn and keep the run rate in check has made him a valuable asset for the Pakistani team. Moreover, his batting capabilities further add to his value as an all-round player.
As of now, Nawaz continues to make strides in his cricketing career, with his strong performances in domestic and international matches. With his determination, skill, and a bright future ahead of him, Mohammad Nawaz is definitely a player to watch out for in the world of cricket.
