Full Name: Dawlat Zadran Date of Birth: March 19, 1988 Birthplace: Paktia, Afghanistan Teams: Afghanistan National Team, Mis Ainak Region, Speen Ghar Tigers (Shpageeza League) Before Afghanistan became renowned for its world-class spinners like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, it was Dawlat Zadran who brought raw pace and aggression to the team’s bowling arsenal. A warrior with the ball in hand and fire in his eyes, Dawlat stood out as one of the first genuine fast bowlers in Afghan cricket history—fearless, determined, and relentless. Hailing from Paktia, a province known for its proud tribal roots and rugged terrain, Dawlat’s journey to cricket stardom was anything but smooth. Growing up in a war-affected region, he had little access to facilities, yet his passion for the game burned bright. Initially playing with tennis balls on stony fields, he gradually developed an ability to bowl fast—really fast. That natural ability to generate pace caught the attention of scouts, and soon, Dawlat was climbing the ranks in domestic cricket. He made his ODI debut in 2011 against Canada and immediately impressed with his ability to bowl sharp bouncers and hit the deck hard. At a time when Afghan cricket was largely dependent on spin, Dawlat's emergence as a fast bowler was both refreshing and crucial. He offered a new weapon—pace that could rattle batsmen, especially on bouncier tracks. One of his most memorable spells came during the 2014 Asia Cup, where Dawlat produced fiery performances against Test-playing nations. His sheer speed and aggression were on full display, and he bowled with heart, often giving Afghanistan crucial breakthroughs. Another highlight was in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, where he was one of Afghanistan’s most consistent bowlers. His performances were key in their historic win over Scotland—their first-ever World Cup victory. Dawlat was more than just a bowler—he was a fierce competitor who never backed down, even when facing world-class batting line-ups. His celebration after taking a wicket—arms outstretched, head held high—became a symbol of Afghan pride and resilience. Whether bowling in the powerplay or at the death, Dawlat gave everything for his team. In the T20 format, Dawlat remained a dependable seamer who could bowl tight overs and pick up wickets with the new ball. Though injuries and competition from younger bowlers eventually limited his appearances, he remained a respected senior figure in the dressing room, mentoring upcoming fast bowlers like Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi. Off the field, Dawlat is known for his modesty and love for his homeland. A patriot through and through, he always wore the Afghan jersey with immense pride. His journey inspired many young boys in Paktia and beyond to dream big—even if they came from remote villages with little more than passion in their hearts. Dawlat Zadran may not have always received the same fame as some of his teammates, but his contribution to Afghanistan cricket is monumental. He showed the world that Afghanistan could produce not just spinners, but also fiery fast bowlers capable of making a dent in world cricket. He was the storm before the calm—the pace in a land of spin.