Zaman Khan Archives

Khajawa lavishes praise on Zaman after final-over heroics

Brisbane Heat captain Usman Khawaja has lavished high praise on pacer Zaman Khan for delivering an impactful final over to seal a victory over Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Set a stiff 161, the Hurricanes fell short in the final over, scoring only 157-8 at the end of their innings.

With this win, Heat secured two vital points to stay in contention of advancing through the final round.

Zaman, who came in as a replacement for injured Shaheen Afridi, made an impact with the ball, defending six in the final over to seal a come-from-behind win.

The 24-year-old started the over with a dot and a single, which was followed by two consecutive dot balls, leaving the Hurricanes needing four to win from the final delivery.

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With the crowd on its feet, Zaman held his nerve and got rid of Nikhil Chaudhary (16), who holed out to long on, resulting in an emphatic win for Heat against table toppers Hobart Hurricanes.

Speaking after the match, Khawaja praised the bowler for his outstanding bowling.

“He bowls a good yorker,” he said.

When asked whether he missed Shaheen Afridi, Khawaja said that he is happy with the replacement.

“Zaman Khan bowled really well, and Shaheen is a world-class bowler. His replacement is also very good,” said Khawaja.

For the unversed, Shaheen Afridi was ruled out of BBL 15 due to a knee sustained during the Heat’s fixture against Adelaide Strikers on 27 December.

READ: T20 World Cup 2026 additional tickets go on sale

Brisbane Heat sign Pakistan pacer as Shaheen Afridi’s replacement

Brisbane Heat have strengthened their bowling resources for the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 15 by signing Pakistan fast bowler Zaman Khan as an international replacement for the injured Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The 24-year-old right-arm pacer has received clearance from the BBL Technical Committee and is set to be available for the Heat’s fixture against Sydney Thunder at the Gabba on Saturday.

The match will see Zaman come up against his former franchise, having previously represented the Thunder during BBL 13.

Known for his distinctive slingy action and effectiveness at the death, Zaman featured in four matches for Sydney Thunder, claiming eight wickets at an impressive average of 16.38.

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Since making his international debut in 2023, he has gone on to represent Pakistan in 10 T20 Internationals and one One-Day International, picking up seven wickets across formats.

Zaman Khan arrives in Australia in good rhythm, having recently made an impact in the Abu Dhabi T10, where he grabbed a hat-trick in his opening match of the tournament.

He also brings experience from multiple leagues around the world, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he plays under Shaheen Afridi at Lahore Qalandars, and England’s The Hundred, where he turned out for Manchester Originals.

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Brisbane Heat head coach Johan Botha expressed confidence that Zaman’s inclusion would add a cutting edge to the bowling unit as the tournament reaches a crucial phase.

“He’s a genuine wicket-taker up front, but he can also control an over with his variations and pace,” Botha said.

“He complements our attack nicely and gives us additional options in the key bowling periods. Zaman was a handful when he first came on the scene and has continued to evolve his game.”

READ: Second group of Pakistan squad departs for Sri Lanka

WATCH: Zaman Khan carries out unique ‘mud training’

Pakistan’s young fast bowler Zaman Khan has been spotted participating in an unconventional ‘mud training’ regimen recently as part of his efforts to enhance his physical strength and overall fitness.

Zaman shared a video on his official Instagram account, showing himself engaging in the mud training. The 22-year-old pacer can be seen running, diving and performing push-ups in the mud, showing his commitment to improving his fitness.

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Zaman Khan recently returned home after his stunt with Seattle Orcas in the Major League Cricket (MCL) 2024, where he took four wickets in four matches.

The pace bowler is gearing up for a busy cricket season for Pakistan as they are scheduled to play nine ODIs and nine T20Is in the latter part of the year.

During a brief international career, Zaman has played 10 T20I and one ODI game, taking seven wickets. However, he is a mainstay in franchise T20 leagues across the globe, having taken 122 wickets in 97 appearances.

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Prior to the white-ball games on away tours, the Pakistan cricket team, is set to host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series from 21 August to 3 September.

Pakistan will then host England for three Tests in Multan (7-11 October), Karachi (15-19 October) and Rawalpindi (24-28 October), and the West Indies will visit for two Tests in Karachi (16-20 January) and Multan (24-28 January).

Additionally, Pakistan will host an ODI tri-series, featuring New Zealand and South Africa, scheduled in Multan from 8-14 February.

READ: Key Pakistan pacer unlikely to feature in Bangladesh Test series

Haris Rauf, Usama Mir and Zaman Khan granted NOCs for BBL 2023-24

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued no-objection certificates (NOC) to fast bowlers Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan and leg-spinner Usama Mir for the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24.

The board has issued the NOCs considering the workload of players and the future tour programme of the national men’s team.

The PCB understands that this decision is in the best interests of all the stakeholders involved while balancing the importance of game time with workload management.

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Haris Rauf and Usama Mir have been granted NOCs for a total of five matches whereas Zaman Khan has been granted NOC for four matches.

All these games are set to take place from 7 to 28 December.

Haris Rauf and Usama Mir are part of the Melbourne Stars squad, while Zaman Khan is part of Sydney Thunder in the BBL.

Haris Rauf has been representing Stars since 2019 and has picked 30 wickets from 18 games in BBL at an impressive average of 16.4.

Melbourne Stars Squad for BBL 2023-24

Glenn Maxwell, Scott Boland, Joe Burns, Hilton Cartwright, Brody Couch, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Sam Harper, Joel Paris, Nick Larkin, Tom Rogers, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis, Beau Webster, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Liam Dawson

Sydney Thunder Squad for BBL 2023-24

Chris Green (c), Cameron Bancroft, Ollie Davies, Matt Gilkes, Liam Hatcher, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner, Alex Hales, Zaman Khan

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed upbeat for tough challenge in Australia Tests

Naseem Shah retained, Zaman Khan picked by Comilla Victorians for BPL 2024

The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise Comilla Victorians retained right-arm Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah and roped in his companion Zaman Khan for the tenth edition of the marquee league.

Naseem Shah, who represented Comilla Victorians in the previous edition of the BPL, was retained by the franchise for the next edition, scheduled in 2024.

The right-arm pacer recently missed out on making a cut to Pakistan’s squad for the ICC World Cup 2023 due to a shoulder injury, which he sustained during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023.

Naseem Shah was then subsequently ruled out of the Asia Cup remainder and was replaced by Zaman Khan.

Naseem Shah expressed his disappointment as he penned an emotional note on X, formerly Twitter.

“With a heavy heart, I’m sharing that I will not be part of this amazing team that will be representing our beloved country. While I’m disappointed, I believe everything is in Allah’s hands. InshahAllah will be on the field very soon,” Naseem said.

“Thank you to all my fans for the prayers,” he added.

With a heavy heart, I'm sharing that I will not be part of this amazing team that will be representing our beloved country. While I'm disappointed, I believe everything is in Allah's hands. InshahAllah will be on the field very soon.

Thank you to all my fans for the prayers!

— Naseem Shah (@iNaseemShah) September 22, 2023

Meanwhile, Comilla Victorians further strengthened their bowling attack by acquiring the services of Pakistan pace prodigy Zaman Khan.

Zaman, famous for his pinpoint yorkers and exceptional death bowling, has played 68 T20s in his blooming career so far, picking up 86 wickets at an average of 22.54 and with best figures of 4-16.

His consistent performances in the franchise leagues powered him to make his international debut for Pakistan during the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in March.

The right-arm pacer then made his ODI debut in the recently-concluded Asia Cup 2023 when Pakistan took on Sri Lanka in a must-win match to book their spot in the final.

Zaman Khan displayed character and almost pulled off a thrilling victory for Pakistan but Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka denied a dream start to his ODI career.

It is pertinent to mention that the BPL 2024 is anticipated to take place between January and February next year.

READ: Pakistan team awaits Indian visa to participate in ICC World Cup 2023

Naseem Shah ruled out of Asia Cup 2023

COLOMBO: Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 on Wednesday, and has been replaced by backup pace bowler Zaman Khan ahead of Pakistan’s final Super 4 match against Sri Lanka tomorrow.

Naseem Shah injured his right shoulder during the match against India. He continues to be monitored by the team’s medical panel that is taking all necessary precautions keeping in mind the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

Haris Rauf, who did not bowl on the reserve day of the PAK vs IND contest as a precautionary measure, continues to recover well after he felt discomfort in his right flank on the first day of the match.

Team doctor Sohail Saleem: “These two fast bowlers [Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf] are our assets and the team’s medical panel will provide them the best possible care ahead of the all-important World Cup.”

Zaman Khan joined the team in Colombo today and will train with the squad at the RPICS in the evening, while Shahnawaz Dahani will join the team on Thursday morning.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Zaman Khan and Shahnawaz Dahani as backup pacers on Monday after the conclusion of the game against India.

“This is only a precautionary measure keeping in mind the fitness and well-being of the players ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next month,” the statement by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Monday.

The statement noted that Haris and Naseem will continue to remain under the observation of the team’s medical panel.

“The team management will only request replacement from the ACC technical committee if Naseem or Haris are ruled out for the next seven days,” it concluded.

Haris Rauf is the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with nine wickets, while Naseem Shah has picked up seven wickets.

Pakistan will play their last Super 4 match tomorrow against Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

This match will serve as a virtual semi-final, as the winner of this contest will face India in the final of Asia Cup 2023.

India has qualified for the final of Asia Cup 2023 after handing Pakistan a 228-run thrashing in a rain-hit Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2023 on Monday’s reserve day, and following it up with a thrilling 41-run victory over Sri Lanka yesterday.

Notably, if the all-important clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka gets washed out then Sri Lanka will join India in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 due to a superior net run rate.

READ: Pakistan head coach Bradburn ‘grateful’ for India wake-up call ahead of World Cup

Asia Cup 2023: Zaman Khan links up with Pakistan squad in Colombo

COLOMBO: Pace bowler Zaman Khan has reached Colombo on Wednesday to join the Pakistan squad ahead of their final Super 4 stage match of the ongoing ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka on September 14.

Zaman Khan was included in the Pakistan squad as the backup pacer along with Shahnawaz Dahani after fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up niggles in the match against India.

The statement noted that Haris and Naseem will continue to remain under the observation of the team’s medical panel.

“The team management will only request replacement from the ACC technical committee if Naseem or Haris are ruled out for the next seven days,” it concluded.

Zaman Khan departed from Lahore and joined the team at the hotel in Colombo, while Shahnawaz is awaiting his visa and will reach Colombo by the next available flight as soon as he gets the visa.

Pakistan will play their last Super 4 match tomorrow against Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

This match will serve as a virtual semi-final, as the winner of this contest will face India in the final of Asia Cup 2023.

Notably, if the all-important clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka gets washed out then Sri Lanka will join India in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 due to a superior net run rate.

READ: Pakistan head coach Bradburn ‘grateful’ for India wake-up call ahead of World Cup

Pakistan call two back up pacers for Asia Cup 2023 remainder

COLOMBO: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Monday that Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan have been added as backup pacers for the Asia Cup 2023 remainder.

According to a statement issued by the PCB, Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan have been called up as backup pacers after Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up niggles in match against India.

“This is only a precautionary measure keeping in mind the fitness and well-being of the players ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next month,” the statement said.

The statement noted that Haris and Naseem will continue to remain under the observation of the team’s medical panel.

“The team management will only request replacement from the ACC technical committee if Naseem or Haris are ruled out for the next seven days,” it concluded.

Pakistan suffered a blow when officials said fast bowler Haris Rauf had suffered a strain and would take no further part. Later fellow quick Naseem Shah also walked off with some discomfort to his hand.

It is pertinent to mention here that Virat Kohli and returning KL Rahul hit unbeaten centuries to lead India’s 228-run thrashing of Pakistan in a rain-hit Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2023 on Monday’s reserve day.

Kohli (122) and Rahul (111) put together 233 runs as India reached 356-2, a total defended after they bowled out Pakistan for 128 in the 50-over contest in Colombo.

Pakistan ended on 128-8 in 32 overs with injured bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah not turning out to bat. India spinner Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 5-25.

READ: All-round India humble Pakistan in Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s clash

Three Pakistan players roped in for BBL 13

The upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023 will feature three Pakistan players Haris Rauf, Usama Mir and Zaman Khan.

The players’ draft for the upcoming 13th edition of the BBL took place on Sunday, September 2.

Haris Rauf, who rose to fame following his sensational stint with Melbourne Stars in the ninth edition of the BBL — taking 20 wickets in 10 matches at 19.4 including a hat-trick and a five-wicket haul — has rejoined the franchise for the upcoming edition.

Joining Haris Rauf at Melbourne Stars is his Pakistan teammate Usama Mir, fresh from a breakout English domestic season amid which he took 25 wickets at 18 across 17 T20 Blast and The Hundred matches.

Notably, Usama Mir is yet to make his T20I debut for Pakistan but has represented the country in eight ODIs and took 11 wickets in the longer format.

He, alongside Haris Rauf, is part of the Pakistan squad for the ongoing ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023.

Another Pakistan pacer Zaman Khan was roped in by Sydney Thunder in the Gold category.

Zaman has emerged as a death-over specialist in his prevailing domestic and franchise career.

He also made his international debut for Pakistan in an away three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in March this year and went on to play six matches and pick four wickets at 32.5.

Zaman Khan recently represented the Toronto Nationals in Global T20 Canada and Manchester Originals in The Hundred.

It is pertinent to mention that the upcoming 13th edition of the BBL will commence on December 7 with Haris Rauf and Usama Mir’s Melbourne Stars taking on last season’s runners-up Brisbane Heat in the curtain raiser while the final of the extravaganza will take place on January 2024.

READ: Sohail Khan announces retirement from International cricket

Naseem Shah reacts to Aaqib Javed rating Zaman Khan higher

Young Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah reacted to former Test cricketer Aaqib Javed’s statement, who rated Zaman Khan higher than him in terms of their white-ball cricket skills.

Naseem Shah, in an interview with a local news outlet, was asked to offer his thoughts on Aaqib Javed’s recent statement regarding him and Zaman.

The right-arm pacer, in response, humbly stated that he never claimed that he is better than any bowler and his primary focus is to become a good bowler despite comparing himself with others.

“Have I ever said that I am a good bowler or am I better than someone?” Naseem said while talking to a local YouTube channel.

“Look, everyone is better than me, I have never put an emphasis that I have to become better in comparison to others, I have always tried to win matches for my side and get wickets for my side. I have always tried to become a better bowler instead of comparing myself to others,” he added.

While talking to the media in Lahore, last week, Aaqib Javed claimed that Zaman Khan’s skill to bowl in the final phase of the innings is second to none, and he is one of the best death-overs specialist bowlers in the world right now.

“In white-ball, I still believe Zaman Khan’s skills are above all. We have recently seen him in the Canada league, no bowler is near to him when it comes to bowling in death overs,” he said.

Aaqib Javed then rated Zaman higher than Naseem Shah, who is the first-choice bowler for Pakistan in white-ball cricket.

“I rate him more than even Naseem. Your first three choices in white-ball cricket must be Shaheen, Haris, and Zaman, you can then go down to Naseem Shah,” he added.

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