18 Saad Bin Zafar

Biography

Saad Bin Zafar, born on November 10, 1986, in Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan, is a Pakistani-Canadian cricketer who captains the Canadian national team. A left-handed batsman and slow left-arm orthodox bowler, he is recognized as a versatile all-rounder.

Early Life and Career:

Saad began playing cricket at age 10, starting with tape-ball cricket on the streets before transitioning to leather-ball cricket during his teenage years. He moved to Canada, where he continued his cricketing journey, making his first-class debut for Canada in 2008.

International Career:

Saad’s international debut came on July 4, 2008, against Bermuda in the ICC Intercontinental Cup, where he impressed by taking four wickets. Over the years, he has been a consistent performer for Canada across all formats. In July 2022, he was appointed captain of the Canadian national team. Under his leadership, Canada reclaimed its One Day International (ODI) status in 2023 after a nine-year hiatus.

Notable Achievements:

• World Record: On November 14, 2021, in a T20 International (T20I) match against Panama, Saad became the first bowler to complete his full quota of overs (four overs) without conceding a run, setting a world record in men’s T20I cricket.
• T20I Milestone: On August 16, 2024, in a match against the USA, he became the first Canadian bowler to take 50 wickets in T20I cricket.

Franchise Career:

Saad has participated in various T20 leagues globally, including stints with the Vancouver Knights in the Global T20 Canada and the Saint Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League. His all-round capabilities have made him a valuable asset in franchise cricket.

Saad Bin Zafar played for the Pokhara Avengers in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024, where he showcased his all-round abilities. In the league, Saad took crucial wickets at key moments, demonstrating his ability to control the game with his economical and wicket-taking spells. Additionally, his contributions with the bat were vital in finishing close matches, adding important runs under pressure and showing his composure in challenging situations.

Saad’s performance in the NPL 2024 highlights his value as an experienced international player who can deliver in franchise cricket, further solidifying his reputation as an impactful all-rounder.

Personal Life:

Saad resides in Toronto, Canada, and holds Pakistani-Canadian nationality. He comes from a family with a strong educational background; his father, Dr. Zafar Ikram, and mother, Naghmana Zafar, have supported his cricketing ambitions.

Playing Style:

As a left-arm orthodox spinner, Saad is known for his economical bowling and ability to take crucial wickets. His batting skills add depth to the lineup, making him a reliable all-rounder for the Canadian team.

Saad Bin Zafar’s dedication and contributions have been instrumental in elevating Canadian cricket on the international stage.