Abrar Ahmed made an unforgettable debut in Pakistan’s ODI history with a phenomenal performance against Zimbabwe on November 26, 2024.
The 26-year-old spinner claimed 4 wickets for just 33 runs, spearheading Pakistan’s dominant 10-wicket victory in the second ODI at Queens Sports Club. His heroics sealed the win and etched his name among Pakistan’s all-time greats.
Abrar’s debut heroics place him alongside legendary Pakistani bowlers Zakir Khan and Abdul Qadir, who delivered exceptional performances on their ODI debuts.
Zakir Khan dazzled with figures of 4/19 against New Zealand in 1984, while Qadir impressed with a 4/21 haul against the same opponents in 1983. Abrar’s stellar spell is now part of this elite company.
| Player | Figures | Opposition | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zakir Khan | 4-19 | New Zealand | Peshawar | 1984 |
| Abdul Qadir | 4-21 | New Zealand | Birmingham | 1983 |
| Abrar Ahmed | 4-33 | Zimbabwe | Bulawayo | 2024 |
| Sarfraz Nawaz | 4-46 | New Zealand | Christchurch | 1973 |
| Faisal Akram | 3-24 | Zimbabwe | Bulawayo | 2024 |
| Wajahatullah Wasti | 3-36 | Bangladesh | Dhaka | 1999 |
| Aizaz Cheema | 3-36 | Zimbabwe | Bulawayo | 2011 |
| Bilawal Bhatti | 3-37 | South Africa | Cape Town | 2013 |
| Aamer Nazir | 3-43 | West Indies | Port of Spain | 1993 |
| Abdur Rauf | 3-45 | Zimbabwe | Sheikhupura | 2008 |
| Mohammad Amir | 3-45 | Sri Lanka | Dambulla | 2009 |
| Mohsin Kamal | 3-46 | New Zealand | Sialkot | 1984 |
| Naseem Shah | 3-51 | Netherlands | Rotterdam | 2022 |
| Shabbir Ahmed | 3-52 | West Indies | Toronto | 1999 |
Zimbabwe managed a meager total of 146 due to Abrar’s brilliant bowling. His spell dismantled Zimbabwe’s top order, leaving them reeling. With unerring accuracy, deceptive flight, and clever variations, Abrar kept the Zimbabwean batters guessing, securing key breakthroughs that put Pakistan firmly in control.
Pakistan’s response with the bat was nothing short of spectacular. Saim Ayub stole the show with an explosive knock, smashing an unbeaten 113 off 62 balls. His innings, studded with 17 boundaries and 3 sixes, made light work of Zimbabwe’s target, as Pakistan chased it down in just 18.2 overs.
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