Mohammad Shahzad

Afghanistan's famous wicket-keeper Mohammad Shahzad is one of their most celebrated batsman with his name in the history books for several memorable performances.

Shahzad made his first-class debut against Zimbabwe XI in the 2009 ICC World Cup Qualifiers. Later that year, in the tour to Netherlands, he became the first Afghan player to hit a ton in an ODI game, scoring 110 and helping Afghanistan achieve their maiden first-class win.

In February 2010, he made his T20I debut against Ireland. Later, in the same month, at the age of 22, he became the first Afghan to score a first-class double century when he scored 214* in Afghanistan's successful chase of 494 runs to beat Canada in the Intercontinental Cup.

In January 2012, he played in the side put together to face England as a part of their preparation for the series against Pakistan. During the match, he made two half century scores, which saw him become the first Afghan cricketer to make 1000 first-class career runs. He is also the first Afghan cricketer to pass 1000 runs in List A cricket.

Shahzad was a part of the 2014 Asia Cup squad but did not produce any important performances for the team. However, he had a better run in the World T20 that followed. In a match against Hong Kong, Shahzad helped Afghanistan chase 153 with a brilliant 68 and was also adjudged as the Man of the Match for that game.

What to expect in the 2019 WC?

Mohammad Shahzad is another MS in world cricket who doesn't need much of an introduction. This will be his maiden appearance in a fifty over's World Cup. And expect him to leave a mark on the big stage. He might not be the fittest athlete but trust him to trust his methods which have bought him success.

Behind the wickets as well, he is effective and would keep the batters on their toes. His 100 against India in the 2018 Asia Cup was one of the instances where he showcased that he could tear apart any bowling line up on a given day. A huge MS fan himself, it might well be a coincidence that his first World Cup might be his idol's last.

By Sonali Dhulap and Kumar Abhisekh Das