Croatia vs Cyprus 2025: Croatian all-rounder Zach Vukusic scripts history, becomes youngest-ever international captain
Zach Vukusic made history on Thursday, August 7, after becoming the youngest captain in international cricket.
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Croatia's Zach Vukusic etched his name into the history books on Thursday, August 7, after becoming the youngest captain in international cricket. He broke the record of France's Noman Amjad, who captained his nation for the first time at the age of 18 years and 24 days. Amjad had created the record during France's clash against the Czech Republic in July 2022.
At just 17 years and 311 days, Vukusic led Croatia in a four-match T20I series against Cyprus at the Mladost Cricket Ground in Zagreb. He is also the first 17-year-old to lead a side in top-level cricket.
As far as Test-playing nations are concerned, the record is held by Rashid Khan, who led Afghanistan for the first time at the age of 19 years and 165 days. This feat was registered during a T20I clash between Afghanistan and Scotland in March 2018.
Youngest captains in international cricket
Zach Vukusic (17y 311d, 2025, Croatia vs Cyprus)
Noman Amjad (18y 24d, 2022, France vs Czech Rep.)
Carl Hartmann (18y 276d, 2023, Isle of Man vs Spain)
Luwsanzundui Erdenebulgan (18y 324d, 2023, Mongolia vs Nepal)
Rashid Khan (19y 165d, 2018, Afghanistan vs Scotland)
Zach Vukusic shines on captaincy debut
Vukusic has led Croatia in three matches so far against Cyprus in the ongoing four-match series. In the first T20I, the all-rounder scored a valiant 43 off 32 balls and picked up a solitary wicket in four overs, conceding 41 runs.
In the second T20I, the youngster picked up two wickets and scored 23 off 19 balls. Vukusic failed with the bat in the third T20I and couldn't pick up a wicket in his four overs with the ball. Croatia were beaten in each of the first three T20Is and will look to salvage pride in the fourth one on Friday, August 8.
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Roman Mazumder has been the leading run-getter in the series, with 142 runs from three innings for the Cyprus opener. Meanwhile, Scott Austin leads the wicket-taking charts, with six scalps from three games.