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Naseem Shah

Naseem-Shah
Naseem-Shah Image: Wikimedia Commons. BBC Urdu / CC BY 3.0

Naseem Shah (born 15 February 2003) is a Pakistani international cricketer who plays as a right-arm fast bowler. He emerged as one of Pakistan's youngest Test cricketers and quickly drew attention for setting age-related records in red-ball cricket within months of his international debut.

Key facts

Full name Naseem Shah
Date of birth 15 February 2003
Nationality Pakistani
Role Bowler (right-arm fast)
Test debut November 2019, vs Australia
National team Pakistan

Background

Naseem Shah was called up to the senior Pakistan squad in October 2019, at the age of 16, for the Test series against Australia. His selection was notable given his age and limited domestic exposure at the time.

International career

Naseem made his international debut for Pakistan in November 2019 against Australia in Test cricket. At the time of his debut, he became the ninth-youngest player to make his debut in Test cricket.

Early Test records

  • December 2019 – In the second Test against Sri Lanka, he became the second youngest bowler to take a five-wicket haul in a Test match, and the youngest pace bowler to achieve the feat.
  • February 2020 – In the first Test against Bangladesh, he became the youngest bowler to take a hat-trick in a Test match.

Timeline

  1. 15 February 2003 – Born.
  2. October 2019 – Called up to the Pakistan Test squad for the series against Australia at age 16.
  3. November 2019 – Made his Test debut against Australia.
  4. December 2019 – Took a five-wicket haul in a Test against Sri Lanka, setting age-related records.
  5. February 2020 – Recorded a Test hat-trick against Bangladesh.

Significance

Naseem Shah's early career milestones placed him among the youngest fast bowlers in the history of Test cricket to achieve a five-wicket haul and a hat-trick. His rapid promotion to the national side at 16 also drew attention to Pakistan's tradition of introducing fast bowlers at a young age.

References