Ziaur Rahman, born in Bedbunia village in the Khulna Division of Bangladesh, is a cricketer who has experienced a remarkable transformation in his career. Initially known for his skills as a pace bowler, Ziaur has successfully transitioned into an accomplished batsman, making him a valuable asset in international cricket.
Ziaur’s cricket journey began in the local leagues in his region, where he showcased his talent as a pace bowler. It didn’t take long for him to grab the attention of selectors, and he soon found himself representing the Bangladesh Under-19 team and the Khulna divisional team in the National Cricket League.
Even in his early days, Ziaur displayed a natural inclination towards aggressive batting. However, it was not considered a regular part of his game and was often employed as a surprise tactic from the lower-order. Despite this, he managed to impress with his bowling skills, picking up a commendable 18 wickets in his debut season and a remarkable 30 in the 2005-06 season. His consistent performances for Khulna and in the Dhaka Premier League caught the eye of the selectors, earning him a spot in Bangladesh’s squad for the 2007 World Twenty20, although he did not get a chance to play.
However, a knee injury during the 2008-09 season brought about a significant turning point in Ziaur’s career. Faced with the inability to bowl fast due to changes in his physicality, his cricketing future was in jeopardy. But he seized a second opportunity, this time as a batsman in the Dhaka league. It took time for Ziaur to establish himself in this new role, enduring two challenging seasons before showcasing his batting prowess for Old DOHS in the Dhaka Premier League and for Chittagong Kings in the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20.
His consistent performances in domestic T20 competitions earned Ziaur his international Twenty20 debut against Ireland in 2012. However, it took him a while to cement his place in the team. In limited-overs cricket, Ziaur has proven to be a valuable asset in the top order during the Powerplay overs. In first-class cricket, he excels against the old ball and occasionally against the second new ball. His first ever first-class century, an extraordinary innings of 152 runs off just 143 balls, came against Central Zone in the Bangladesh Cricket League, with an astounding 15 sixes.
These impressive performances led to Ziaur making his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in March 2013. Just a month later, he became the 68th Bangladeshi player to represent the country in Test cricket when he was selected for the second match against Zimbabwe.
Ziaur Rahman’s journey from a pace bowler to a formidable batsman is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and adaptability. His ability to reinvent himself and make significant contributions to the national team has earned him a well-deserved place in Bangladesh cricket history. With his talent and determination, Ziaur continues to be an integral part of Bangladesh’s cricketing success, both domestically and internationally.
