Zulfiqar Babar is a former Pakistani left‑arm orthodox spinner, born in Okara in 1978, who made his international debut late in his career but quickly became a reliable bowler for Pakistan in Tests and T20Is.
Personal Profile
- Full Name: Zulfiqar Babar
- Born: 10 December 1978, Okara, Punjab, Pakistan
- Age: 47 years (as of March 2026)
- Batting Style: Left‑handed
- Bowling Style: Slow left‑arm orthodox
- Role: Bowler
- Domestic Teams: Multan Tigers, Quetta Gladiators, Southern Punjab, Pakistan A
Zulfiqar Babar Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Avg | Best Bowling | Runs | Bat Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 13 | 36 | 40.6 | 5/118 | 83 | 9.2 |
| ODIs | 5 | 4 | 62.7 | 2/62 | 19 | 6.3 |
| T20Is | 7 | 12 | 18.2 | 3/23 | 12 | 6.0 |
| First‑Class | 100+ | 500+ | ~25 | 8/79 | 2,000+ | ~15 |
Career Highlights
- International Debut: T20I vs West Indies, July 2013 – took 3 wickets in his debut match.
- Test Success: Played a key role in Pakistan’s 2014 series win against Australia and New Zealand in the UAE.
- Domestic Dominance: Consistent wicket‑taker in Pakistan’s domestic circuit, with over 500 first‑class wickets.
- PSL Impact: Represented Quetta Gladiators, contributing as a senior spinner.
Style of Play
- Bowling: Accurate, disciplined, and effective in slow conditions; relied on flight and subtle variations.
- Temperament: Calm and composed, often used to build pressure in long spells.
- Strengths: Particularly effective in UAE pitches, where his left‑arm spin troubled top international batters.
Legacy
Zulfiqar Babar is remembered as a late bloomer who made his Pakistan debut at 34 but still left a mark with his disciplined spin bowling. His performances in the UAE helped Pakistan secure memorable victories, and his domestic record cements him as one of the most reliable spinners in Pakistan’s cricketing history.
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