IPL Auction 2018: All you need to know about Mujeeb Zadran

Afghanistan cricket has produced several talents over the past few years. Among them, the likes of Rashid Khan is weaving his magic with the leather for Afghanistan as well as several other T20 leagues across the globe. The legacy has now been carried forward by Mujeeb Zadran- the 16-year-old Afghan sensation. The right-arm off break bowler has had a dream run recently.

He was drafted into the list of 10 Afghanistan cricketers to be auctioned for the eleventh season of the Indian Premier League. He started with a base price of 50 Lakhs, however, Kings XI Punjab shelled out a staggering four crores to bag the tweaker. He became the third Afghan cricketer after Rashid and Mohammad Nabi to bag a contract in the Indian Premier League. As we move ahead, we take a look at some of the sterling facts from Mujeeb Zadran’s short yet illustrative career.

1. Birth and Career

Mujeeb Zadran is an Afghanistan off-spin bowler, born on March 28, 2001, at Khost Province in the eastern part of the nation. He has played for Afghanistan, Afghanistan Under-19s, Bengal Tigers, Comilla Victorians, Kabul Zalmi, Khost Province, Khost Province Under-17s, Mis Ainak Knights and the Speen Ghar Region

2.List A and T20 debut

Mujeeb Zadran made his List A debut playing for the Band-e-Amir region in August 10, 2017. He bowled brilliantly and returned with impressive figures of 10-1-29-3. He also picked up the all-important wicket of Najibullah Zadran during the game.

His T20 debut match came in the Shpageeza Cricket League and represented the Boost Defenders led by Shapoor Zadran. Though his team failed to beat the Ashgar Stanikzai-led Kabul Eagles He was the team’s most economical bowler with figures of 3.3-0-16-0.

3. First international player from the 21st century

Mujeeb Zadran made his One Day International debut against Ireland in December 2017 and played three ODIs thus far. Meanwhile, he also became the first player from the 21st century to play international cricket for Afghanistan at Sharjah at the United Arab Emirates.

4. Only bowler to take two six-fers in Youth cricket

Mujeeb Zadran has also played 12 matches for the Afghanistan Under-19 in which he has picked up a couple of six-fers. Meanwhile, he also became the first bowler in Youth cricket to pick up figures of six-wicket haul or more.

He wreaked havoc when he notched figures of 9.3-2-19-7 for against Bangladesh in the fourth ODI of the series in October. His next best bowling figures of 10-2-23-6 came against Pakistan Under-19 in the Asia Cup at Kuala Lumpur. Overall, he has picked up 34 wickets in 12 matches.

5. Youngest player to take a four-wicket haul in ODI’s

Mujeeb Zadran forayed into international cricket with stupendous figures of 10-2-24-4 against Ireland at Sharjah. The tweaker dismissed the likes of Paul Stirling, Andy Balbirnie, Gary Wilson and Kevin O’Brien and emerged the as the youngest bowler to snare a four-wicket haul in international cricket. He had also been adjudged the Player of the Match for his exemplary spell of bowling.

6. Part of Afghanistan Under-19 squad

Mujeeb Zadran is currently representing the Afghanistan Under-19 team in the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand. He has been an instrumental force thus far in Afghanistan’s journey in the prestigious tournament. In Afghanistan’s Quarter-Final game against the hosts, he ripped apart the Kiwis with awe-inspiring figures of 8.1-3-14-4. Meanwhile, he bowled as many as 42 dot deliveries to choke the Black Caps.