Mohammad Zunaed Siddique, commonly known as Zunaed Siddique, is a former professional cricketer from Bangladesh. Born on March 4, 1987, in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, Zunaed is a left-handed batsman and occasional right-arm offbreak bowler. He first came into the spotlight with his impressive performances for the Rajshahi Division cricket team in the 2003-04 season.
Zunaed’s consistent performances at the domestic level earned him a place in the Bangladesh A side. His skills and potential were further recognized when he was named in the 30-man shortlist for the World Cup squad. Although he did not make it to the final 15, this was a testament to his talent and future prospects.
In 2007, at the age of just 20, Zunaed was selected to represent Bangladesh in the inaugural Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa. Being an attacking opening batsman with a high backlift, he impressed with his aggressive approach to batting. This earned him a place in the national Test team, making his debut against New Zealand in Dunedin.
Zunaed made an immediate impact in his debut Test match, scoring a sparkling 74 runs. This innings showcased his ability to handle pressure and play his natural aggressive game. Later in the series against New Zealand, he continued to trouble their bowling attack by hitting 85 runs in Bangladesh’s first-ever ODI victory against them.
However, throughout his career, Zunaed struggled to maintain consistency, especially in the limited-overs formats. His technical difficulties in handling short and fast bowling were exposed in some matches, most notably against Stuart Broad. Despite these setbacks, Zunaed showcased his determination and resilience by overcoming his weaknesses.
In March 2010, Zunaed achieved a significant milestone when he registered his maiden Test century against England in the first Test at Chittagong. Overcoming his technical flaws, he showed great character and determination, leaving a lasting impact on the cricketing world.
Despite his initial successes, Zunaed faced various challenges throughout his career, which ultimately led to his retirement from international cricket. However, his contributions to Bangladesh cricket will always be remembered, and he continues to be an inspiration for aspiring cricketers in the country.
Off the field, Zunaed is known for his humble and down-to-earth nature. He remains committed to nurturing young talents and contributing to the development of cricket in Bangladesh. Since his retirement, he has been involved in various coaching and mentoring programs, passing on his knowledge and experiences to the next generation of cricketers.
Zunaed Siddique’s career may have had its ups and downs, but his passion for the game and his undeniable talent will forever be etched in the history of Bangladesh cricket. As a player, he proved that determination and hard work can overcome any obstacle, making him a role model for aspiring cricketers not just in Bangladesh but across the cricketing world.
