Zia-ur-Rehman AkbarSteven Hirst2023-07-27T16:25:53+01:00
| Date of Birth | 30/12/1997 |
| Age | 26 |
| Nationality | Afghan |
| Player Status | Available |
| Playing Role | Bowler (Spin) |
| Bowling Style | SLA Orthodox Spin |
| Batting Style | LH Lower Order Bat |
| Entry Route (US/CAN) | |
| Major Teams | Afghanistan A, Afghanistan Emerging Team, Afghanistan U19s, Amo Region, Chattogram Challengers, Mis Ainak Knights, Mis Ainak Region, Paktia Province, Hindukush Strikers |
| Coaching Qualifications | UKCC Level 2 |
Zia-ur-Rehman Akbar is an exceptional spin bowling talent who recently earned his well deserved Afghanistan selection, playing a ODI against Bangladesh (July 2023).
The left-arm tweaker holds the record for the equal quickest bowler to take 100 first-class wickets (in 70-years). It's fair to say, if it weren't for Afghanistan's embarrassment of riches in the spin department, including the likes of Rashid, Nabi, and Mujeeb, Akbar would be an international regular.
Akbar broke into domestic cricket during a 2017/18 season that saw him capture 101 first-class wickets. He bagged 8 five-wicket bags, 2 ten-wicket match hauls, best figures of 7-70, and boasted an impressive bowling average of 19.75.
During his maiden domestic season, Akbar excelled in both the Ahmad Shah Abdali (55 wickets at 19.74) and Ahmad Shah Abdali (46 wickets at 19.76) 4-Day Tournaments, respectively. Akbar topped the former wicket charts and finished 4th during the latter to propel his name onto the national radar.
Akbar has continued to shine ever since, dominating the domestic scene across all formats. Whilst known for his left-arm spin, he is a useful middle-order bat with 2 first-class fifties and an average approaching 20.
The talented all-rounder has already featured for Afghanistan Under-19s, Emerging Players, and the A side in recent years, and his domestic exploits finally earned him a ODI cap in July 2023.
Looking to continue his development, Akbar spent a sensation season playing for Lytham in Division 1 of the Liverpool League in 2022. He was simply outstanding - 85 wickets at 6.67 with 12 five-wicket hauls on the bounce to conclude the season.
He finished second on the League wicket charts, only finishing 2 wickets behind the leader who bowled 70 more overs. He picked up a wicket every 19.59 balls and enjoyed an economy rate of 2.04. Incredibly, his last 5 game figures read 7-26 (19), 7-22 (21.1), 9-36 (18.5), 6-43 (22.5), and 7-26 (11.4).
An absolute star, Akbar is now open to future opportunities globally from 2024 onwards.
| Team (Season) | Runs | Ave | Wkts | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lytham (2021) | 151 | 16.78 | 85 | 6.67 |
| Date of Birth | 30/12/1997 |
| Age | 26 |
| Nationality | Afghan |
| Player Status | Unavailable |
| Playing Role | Bowler (Spin) |
| Player Status | Unavailable |
| Bowling Style | SLA Orthodox Spin |
| Batting Style | LH Lower Order Bat |
| Entry Route (US/CAN) | |
| Major Teams | Afghanistan A, Afghanistan Emerging Team, Afghanistan U19s, Amo Region, Chattogram Challengers, Mis Ainak Knights, Mis Ainak Region, Paktia Province, Hindukush Strikers |
| Coaching Qualifications | UKCC Level 2 |
Zia-ur-Rehman Akbar is an exceptional spin bowling talent who recently earned his well deserved Afghanistan selection, playing a ODI against Bangladesh (July 2023).
The left-arm tweaker holds the record for the equal quickest bowler to take 100 first-class wickets (in 70-years). It's fair to say, if it weren't for Afghanistan's embarrassment of riches in the spin department, including the likes of Rashid, Nabi, and Mujeeb, Akbar would be an international regular.
Akbar broke into domestic cricket during a 2017/18 season that saw him capture 101 first-class wickets. He bagged 8 five-wicket bags, 2 ten-wicket match hauls, best figures of 7-70, and boasted an impressive bowling average of 19.75.
During his maiden domestic season, Akbar excelled in both the Ahmad Shah Abdali (55 wickets at 19.74) and Ahmad Shah Abdali (46 wickets at 19.76) 4-Day Tournaments, respectively. Akbar topped the former wicket charts and finished 4th during the latter to propel his name onto the national radar.
Akbar has continued to shine ever since, dominating the domestic scene across all formats. Whilst known for his left-arm spin, he is a useful middle-order bat with 2 first-class fifties and an average approaching 20.
The talented all-rounder has already featured for Afghanistan Under-19s, Emerging Players, and the A side in recent years, and his domestic exploits finally earned him a ODI cap in July 2023.
Looking to continue his development, Akbar spent a sensation season playing for Lytham in Division 1 of the Liverpool League in 2022. He was simply outstanding - 85 wickets at 6.67 with 12 five-wicket hauls on the bounce to conclude the season.
He finished second on the League wicket charts, only finishing 2 wickets behind the leader who bowled 70 more overs. He picked up a wicket every 19.59 balls and enjoyed an economy rate of 2.04. Incredibly, his last 5 game figures read 7-26 (19), 7-22 (21.1), 9-36 (18.5), 6-43 (22.5), and 7-26 (11.4).
An absolute star, Akbar is now open to future opportunities globally from 2024 onwards.
| Team (Season) | Runs | Ave | Wkts | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lytham (2021) | 151 | 16.78 | 85 | 6.67 |
