Abrar Ahmed: Pakistan’s Rising Spin Sensation Makes Triumphant Return with Record-Breaking Performance
A Spectacular Return to Form
Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed delivered a masterclass performance in the UAE T20I tri-series, recording career-best figures of 4-9 in four overs against the United Arab Emirates, leading Pakistan to a convincing 31-run victory. The match saw Pakistan post 171-5, with UAE managing only 140-7 in response.
Record-Breaking Performance
The young spinner made history by registering the fourth-best bowling figures by a Pakistan spinner in T20Is during the match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The 26-year-old, who had previously lost his place in the starting eleven to Sufiyan Muqeem, showcased a dazzling display of modern legspin bowling, with all his variations on full display.
Journey and Challenges
Nicknamed ‘Harry Potter’ for his youthful looks and spectacles, Abrar Ahmed’s journey began with a dream debut in Test cricket, where he became the fourth bowler to take five wickets in the first session on debut. His seven-wicket haul against England in Multan in December 2022 established him as Pakistan’s first-choice spinner.
However, Abrar has faced significant challenges, including a recent injury setback. Diagnosed with Sciatica during the ICC World Cup 2023, he faced complications due to not following the prescribed recovery plan. The injury, which occurred during a practice match in Australia, led to his exclusion from the Test series. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at Lahore’s National Cricket Academy.
Future Prospects
Despite fitness concerns, Abrar remains Pakistan’s go-to legspinner, especially with Yasir Shah’s retirement and Shadab Khan’s challenges in red-ball cricket. His recent success can be attributed to thorough preparation and analysis, as he revealed in the post-match presentation: ‘I was watching the earlier matches and looking at the pitch conditions so I bowled accordingly. I hadn’t analysed the batters much before but this time I sat down with Talha and observed each batter.’
