Najibullah Zadran is the muscle in Afghanistan’s middle order—known for his clean hitting, cool head under pressure, and a career built on persistence and passion. Born on February 28, 1993, in Logar Province, Najibullah grew up during turbulent times, but like many Afghan youngsters, he found escape in cricket. Armed with a bat and unshakable belief, he carved out a place for himself in a team that was still finding its identity on the world stage. Najibullah first caught attention with his natural ability to hit big. He wasn’t the most technically refined batter when he began, but he had what couldn’t be taught: timing, intent, and fearless execution. He made his ODI debut in 2012, and by 2014, had already proven himself as Afghanistan’s go-to finisher in white-ball cricket. His batting style is aggressive yet calculated. Whether it’s chasing under lights or rescuing the team from collapse, Najib has delivered crucial knocks—often with minimal fuss. Over the years, he’s played many game-changing innings, particularly in T20Is, where his strike rate and ability to clear the ropes with ease have made him one of the most reliable finishers for Afghanistan. In major tournaments, Najibullah’s maturity has shone through. In the 2022 Asia Cup, his unbeaten 43 off 17 balls against Bangladesh was a masterclass in composure and power. Similarly, in the 2023 ODI World Cup, he provided stability and firepower during key moments, contributing to historic victories against strong teams like England and Pakistan. Off the field, Najibullah is calm, grounded, and widely respected among his teammates. He has served as vice-captain in limited-overs formats and is often a key voice in team discussions. His leadership style is quiet yet impactful—he leads through example and work ethic. Despite being overshadowed at times by flashier names like Rashid Khan or Gurbaz, Najibullah remains indispensable to Afghanistan’s middle order. He’s the man who steps up when the game is on the line. More than just a power-hitter, he’s a stabilizer, a match-winner, and a seasoned campaigner. With over a decade in Afghan cricket, Najibullah Zadran is now a pillar of experience, guiding the next generation while still delivering match-winning moments of his own.