Full Name: Najibullah Zadran Date of Birth: February 28, 1993 Birthplace: Kabul, Afghanistan Teams: Afghanistan National Team, Karachi Kings (PSL), Chattogram Challengers (BPL), Mis Ainak Knights (Shpageeza League) In a team brimming with flamboyant openers and mystery spinners, Najibullah Zadran has quietly established himself as the unsung hero of Afghanistan cricket — the man who walks in under pressure, keeps his cool, and finishes games with precision and grace. A left-hander blessed with power, timing, and temperament, Najibullah is Afghanistan’s go-to man in crises, especially in the shorter formats. Born in Kabul but originally hailing from Khost Province, Najibullah's journey to the national team came through grit, hard work, and an unshakable belief in his talent. Unlike many who start their careers as aggressive openers, Najibullah mastered the art of middle-order batting — a space that demands patience, adaptability, and the ability to shift gears instantly. That’s what made him stand out. He made his ODI debut in 2012 against Ireland, at a time when Afghanistan was still building its reputation in international cricket. From the start, Najibullah impressed with his ability to strike cleanly through the line and rotate the strike — rare traits for a middle-order batter in an emerging cricket nation. Over the years, he became Afghanistan’s most reliable finisher, especially in ODIs and T20Is. In ODIs, Najibullah has played numerous impactful innings, often rescuing his team from difficult positions. He has a knack for absorbing pressure and launching calculated counter-attacks. His maiden ODI century came against Ireland in 2019 — a scintillating knock that underlined his class. In that match, Afghanistan was struggling, and Najibullah’s hundred not only lifted the total but secured a win that symbolized Afghanistan’s resilience. His T20I performances have been equally valuable. A clean hitter of the ball, Najibullah is known for his ability to find gaps, accelerate in the death overs, and clear the ropes under pressure. In the 2022 Asia Cup, his unbeaten 43* off 17 balls against Bangladesh helped Afghanistan chase down a tricky target — an innings hailed for its composure and confidence. Najibullah is also a key presence in franchise leagues. He’s featured in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), and has often been a consistent middle-order performer who provides stability and late-over fireworks. Coaches admire his calm approach, adaptability across conditions, and ability to read match situations. Off the field, Najibullah is humble, soft-spoken, and a mentor to many younger Afghan players. He believes in discipline, family values, and serving as a positive example for youth in Afghanistan. Despite the spotlight often being on the team’s more flamboyant stars, Najibullah takes pride in being the quiet engine that drives victories from behind the curtain. As of today, Najibullah continues to be a vital cog in Afghanistan’s white-ball squads, offering not just runs but leadership and experience. Whether chasing down targets or guiding the innings after early collapses, he remains the rock in Afghanistan’s middle order — dependable, determined, and quietly dominant.