After more than a decade of representing Afghanistan in international cricket, Noor Ali Zadran, the seasoned batter, has officially announced his retirement from the sport. With a career that spanned various formats including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, Zadran’s contributions to Afghan cricket have been notable.
He made his mark early on, notably with a brisk innings of 45 runs off just 28 balls in Afghanistan’s inaugural ODI against Scotland back in 2009. Zadran’s journey continued as he became a fixture in the Afghan lineup, earning caps in two Tests, 51 ODIs, and 23 T20Is. Over the years, he amassed a total of 1930 runs, including 11 half-centuries and a century.
His prowess as an opener was evident from the outset, with his first T20I appearance coming in 2010, just a year after Afghanistan entered the format. In a testament to his longevity and adaptability, Zadran made his Test debut earlier this year against Sri Lanka, a moment made even more special as he received his maiden Test cap from his nephew and teammate, Ibrahim Zadran.
Throughout his career, Zadran’s performances showcased his ability to thrive on the international stage, with one of his standout innings being a memorable half-century against India in the 2010 T20 World Cup – a significant milestone as it marked Afghanistan’s inaugural appearance in the global tournament.
As Zadran bids farewell to the international arena, he leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered by Afghan cricket fans for years to come. His contributions, both on and off the field, have played a pivotal role in the development and growth of cricket in Afghanistan, inspiring future generations of players to follow in his footsteps.
While his retirement marks the end of an era, it also signifies the beginning of a new chapter for Afghan cricket, one that will undoubtedly be shaped by the lessons learned and the standards set by players like Noor Ali Zadran.
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