Usman Shinwari - Pakistan - Bowler

Born in Landi Kotal, Usman Khan Shinwari, the left-arm swing bowler, played his club cricket for FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) region in Pakistan. He joined Peshawar-based Islamia Cricket Academy (ICA) at the age of 18 and was closely mentored by Wajahatullah Wasti and Qazi Shafiq.

In his maiden season, Usman picked up a fifer to steer Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) to victory against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited in the final of the Faysal Bank T20 Cup for departments. Those five wickets also included Misbah-ul-Haq who was the ODI and Test skipper of Pakistan at that time. It was that match-winning performance which aided him earn a spot in the Pakistan side later.

He was named in the squad for the ODI and T20 series' against Sri Lanka at UAE during December 2013. Although he couldn't get a chance to make his ODI appearance hitherto (August 2015), his T20I outing in both games didn't go as anticipated.

Although Usman Khan remained in the fringes of selection, an opportunity in the national side seemed all but probable. In October 2017, Usman Khan debuted in ODIs - against Sri Lanka in the UAE - and showed immediate signs of spark and unquestionable potential. In his second ODI, he dismantled the Sri Lankan top-order and claimed his maiden fifer while at it. He followed it up with another 'Man of the Match' winning performance in the first of three-match T20I series against the same side.


Cricketing hero - Wasim Akram.

Stock delivery - Outswinger.


By Raju Peethala