Noor Ali Zadran is one of the original pillars of Afghan cricket—a reliable opening batter whose early contributions helped build the foundation on which today’s successes stand. Born on July 10, 1988, in Khost Province, Noor Ali’s cricket journey began long before Afghanistan became a household name in the sport. He was part of the team when they were still playing in the ICC World Cricket League and dreaming of facing the world’s best. Making his ODI debut in 2009, Noor Ali became one of the first Afghan cricketers to score a century in international cricket, crafting a brilliant 114 on debut against the Netherlands. That innings marked the arrival of a technically sound, composed batter who could see off the new ball and build an innings with patience—skills that were rare in an otherwise explosive Afghan batting lineup. In 2010, during Afghanistan’s debut at the ICC World T20, Noor Ali played a composed 50 against India, earning praise for standing tall against the likes of Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh. His ability to handle pressure and anchor innings made him a consistent top-order choice during the team’s formative international years. Though his opportunities became limited in later years due to the emergence of younger aggressive batters, Noor Ali remained a respected figure in Afghan cricket. His experience, temperament, and calm demeanor made him a guiding presence in domestic cricket and among emerging players. Off the field, Noor Ali is known for his humility and quiet strength. As a cousin of Najibullah Zadran and a senior figure in the cricketing Zadran family, he’s inspired many young cricketers in eastern Afghanistan. Even if his international appearances have slowed down, his influence remains deeply embedded in Afghanistan’s cricketing DNA. Noor Ali Zadran may not dominate headlines today, but his contribution during Afghanistan’s early rise was monumental—offering stability when it was most needed.