Imran Nazir was one of Pakistan’s most flamboyant opening batters, known for his fearless stroke play and ability to dominate bowlers from the outset. Though his international career was relatively short, he left a lasting impression with his aggressive batting style, particularly in limited‑overs cricket.
Personal Profile
- Full Name: Imran Nazir
- Born: 16 December 1981, Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan
- Age: 44 years (as of 2026)
- Height: 171 cm (5 ft 7 in)
- Batting Style: Right‑handed
- Bowling Style: Right‑arm off‑spin / legbreak (occasional)
- Role: Opening batter
- Domestic/Franchise Teams: Pakistan, National Bank of Pakistan, Sialkot Stallions, Lahore Badshahs (ICL), Dhaka Gladiators, Nagenahira Nagas, Lahore Qalandars, Asia XI, among others
Imran Nazir Statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s/50s | Highest Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 8 | 427 | 32.9 | 2/1 | 131 | |
| ODIs | 79 | 1,895 | 24.6 | 2/9 | 160 | |
| T20Is | 25 | 500 | 21.7 | 0/3 | 72 |
Career Highlights
- International Debut: ODI debut vs Sri Lanka (Mar 1999); Test debut vs Sri Lanka (Mar 1999).
- Explosive Innings: Scored a blistering 160 vs Zimbabwe in a 2007 ODI, one of his finest knocks.
- World Cup Impact: Played in the 2007 ICC World Cup, remembered for his aggressive 160 against Zimbabwe.
- T20 World Cup: Represented Pakistan in the inaugural 2007 ICC World Twenty20, contributing to Pakistan’s run to the final.
- Domestic Success: Starred for Sialkot Stallions in Pakistan’s domestic T20 competitions, helping them dominate the local circuit.
Style of Play
- Batting: Fearless opener, strong off the back foot, loved playing cuts and drives through the covers.
- Temperament: Aggressive, often labeled a “one‑day specialist” due to his attacking approach.
- Fielding: Reliable in the outfield, adding value beyond batting.
Legacy
Imran Nazir’s career is remembered for its flashes of brilliance and aggressive flair. While inconsistency and fitness issues limited his international tenure, his explosive batting made him a fan favorite. He remains a symbol of Pakistan’s tradition of producing naturally gifted, attacking openers.
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