Five Revelations about Pakistan’s Emerging Star, Zaman Khan

With the impending ODI World Cup drawing nearer, Pakistan, the top-ranked ODI team on the ICC standings, is grappling with a significant setback in its bowling department. The exceptionally gifted pace bowler, Naseem Shah, will be notably absent from the World Cup due to a shoulder injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2023. Stepping into his shoes will be another budding speedster, renowned for his blistering pace in the Pakistan Super League – Zaman Khan.

In recent years, Zaman Khan has distinguished himself as one of the most remarkable bowlers in the Pakistan Super League. He has consistently delivered stellar performances, emerging as a linchpin for his team, the Lahore Qalandars. Here, we delve into a compilation of captivating insights about Pakistan’s burgeoning cricket sensation, set to make his mark in the ODI World Cup.

Zaman Khan Clocks Speeds Exceeding 90mph

Khan is celebrated for his unerring precision and unwavering consistency on the cricket pitch. His expertise extends to the art of reverse swing, rendering him a formidable force, especially in the death overs, where he has notched numerous scalps.

Yet, it’s his searing pace, an attribute that distinguishes him in the PSL and the Hundred, leaving spectators awe-struck. Zaman is known to unleash thunderbolts, often breaching the 90mph barrier, a facet of his game anticipated to pose substantial challenges to rival batsmen during the ODI World Cup.

Zaman Khan’s Limited Stint in A-list Encounters

Regrettably, Zaman Khan’s repertoire remains scant in terms of A-list matches, despite his immense potential and undeniable talent. His resume boasts fewer than ten appearances at the pinnacle of the sport. While Khan’s dearth of experience is a cause for concern, it’s imperative to acknowledge his innate abilities. Swift, accurate, with a knack for swing and reverse swing, he complements his bowling prowess with impressive fielding skills.

In seven List-A matches, Khan has pocketed six scalps at an economy rate of 6.07. The looming question is how his limited domestic exposure will impact his overall performance in a high-stakes tournament like the ODI World Cup.

Zaman Khan’s Hiatus from List-A Cricket Since March 2022

The absence of Zaman Khan from List-A cricket since March 2022 raises eyebrows, especially considering his call-up to the Pakistan national team for the Asia Cup. Several conjectures surround this hiatus. One plausible explanation could be an injury sidelining him.

Alternatively, he may have directed his focus towards the shorter format of the T20 cricket, which enjoys immense popularity in Pakistan. Irrespective of the rationale, Khan’s lack of List-A cricket experience remains a cause for consternation. List-A cricket mirrors the international format closely, and players benefit significantly from prior exposure before venturing onto the global stage.

Zaman Khan’s T20 Sojourn in Sri Lanka

Last year, Zaman Khan embarked on a T20 journey in Sri Lanka, donning the Jaffna Kings jersey in the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Across five T20 encounters, he snared four wickets at an economical rate of 8.14.

It’s worth emphasizing that T20 cricket represents an entirely distinct challenge compared to the ODIs. Zaman Khan must swiftly adapt to the dynamics of the tournament to prove his mettle and become an invaluable asset to the team.

Zaman Khan’s Aspiration to Surpass Umran Malik’s Speed Record

Khan’s audacious ambition to surpass Umran Malik’s speed record signifies his unwavering confidence and a fervent desire to ascend among the cricketing elite. Achieving this feat would constitute a monumental milestone for both Khan and Pakistani cricket.

Notably, a palpable rivalry exists between players from India and Pakistan. In India, Umran Malik has garnered widespread attention for his sheer pace. Zaman Khan remains resolute in his determination to eclipse Umran’s record of 157kmph in T20 cricket, a pursuit that promises to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide.