Zaman’s journey to this point is nothing short of inspiring, characterised by a classic rags-to-riches narrative. Born into a modest family in Mirpur, PoK, he initially began his cricketing career with the Rawalakot Hawks in the Kashmir League. Over time, Zaman’s skills caught the eye of scouts, and he went on to participate in T20 leagues not only in Canada but also in Sri Lanka.
Remarkably, Zaman hasn’t had the opportunity to feature in any first-class cricket matches yet. However, he has already represented Pakistan in six T20 Internationals, facing off against teams like Afghanistan and New Zealand.
His upcoming ODI debut comes as a replacement for the injured Naseem Shahwho has been sidelined for the remainder of the tournament due to a shoulder injury.
The playing eleven announced by the Pakistan team management on Wednesday also confirmed that fast bowler Haris Rauf would sit out of the match with an injury.
The PCB had earlier announced the inclusion of Zaman in the Pakistan squad in place of Naseem.
Pakistan medical team is also closely monitoring the progress of Rauf, who is feeling discomfort in his right flank after pulling out of the match against India.
The biggest surprise has been the rise of Zaman in the Pakistan cricket ranks as the 22-year-old only appeared on the scene when he played in the Kashmir League in 2021 and was then picked up by Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League.
Yet to play any first class game, Zaman took just two wickets in six games for Manchester Invincibles in the recent Hundred tournament in England but is rated highly by former pacers, including Pakistan’s team director, Mickey Arthur.
Zaman played for English county side Derbyshire where Arthur is the head coach.
Pakistan (Playing XI): Mohammad Haris, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab KhanMohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Zaman Khan.
(With PTI Inputs)
