Naveen-ul-Haq plays T20I cricket for Afghanistan (Instagram)
Afghanistan speedster, Naveen-ul-Haq has made rapid strides in his international cricketing career. Born on September 23, 1999, in Afghanistan, Naveen developed a deep passion for cricket at a young age, a sport that has become a source of hope and pride for his war-torn nation.
As a child, Naveen's world was enlivened by the crack of the cricket bat and the soaring flight of a leather ball against the backdrop of Afghanistan's challenging landscape. In a country where cricket is more than a game - a symbol of national unity and a glimmer of joy amidst strife - Naveen's passion for the sport was incited amidst the echoes of conflict and the dreams of a brighter future.
Naveen's rise in cricket mirrors the rise of Afghanistan in the international cricket scene. A right-arm fast-medium bowler, Naveen burst onto the international stage in 2016, armed with a unique arsenal: an uncanny ability to swing the ball both ways, a repertoire of clever pace variations, and a maturity that belies his years. His bowling, marked by precision and tactical intelligence, has turned heads and has been pivotal in scripting memorable victories for Afghanistan.
More than his on-field exploits, Naveen-ul-Haq's journey is emblematic of incredible fighting spirit. He stands as a symbol of hope for many young Afghans, showing that talent and persistence can emerge triumphantly even in the most trying circumstances. Here’s a look at the Naveen-ul-Haq stats across formats.
Naveen-ul-Haq's ODI Career
Naveen-ul-Haq's ODI career, although relatively brief, has been marked by significant achievements and steady growth. He made his ODI debut against Bangladesh on September 25, 2016. This debut was a huge moment, not only for Naveen but for Afghan cricket, symbolizing the emergence of new talent in a team known for its spirited performances.
Before his ODI debut, Naveen was already a recognized name in Afghan cricket circles, having been a part of the country's squad for the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. His performance in this tournament showcased his potential and readiness for the international stage. By December of the same year, he ascended to a leadership role, captaining Afghanistan in the 2016 Under-19 Asia Cup, an experience that honed his tactical nuances and leadership qualities.
In his ODI career spanning 15 matches, Naveen has claimed 22 wickets at an average of 32.18, with an economy rate of 6.14. His best figures, 4/42 against Ireland, highlight his ability to make significant breakthroughs against competitive teams.
In the ICC World Cup 2023, Naveen further demonstrated his capabilities, securing 8 wickets in 8 matches. Despite an average of 44.00 and an economy of 6.55, his best figures of 2/47 in the tournament show his potential to evolve and adapt to the game's highest level.
In a shocking turn of events, Naveen hung his boots from ODI cricket after the ICC World Cup 2023. However, he stated that he would keep representing his country in the T20I format.
Naveen's T20I career has been equally, if not more, impactful. He made his T20 debut for Afghanistan against Namibia on January 19, 2017, in the 2017 Desert T20 Challenge. This debut marked the beginning of what would be a series of impressive performances in the shortest format of the game.
His T20I debut came against Bangladesh on September 21, 2019, during the 2019–20 Bangladesh Tri-Nation Series. This platform provided Naveen with the opportunity to showcase his skills against higher-ranked teams, a challenge he met with commendable performances.
In the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Naveen was a key player for Afghanistan, taking five wickets in five games, a notable achievement in a high-pressure tournament. His performance in this tournament solidified his reputation as a reliable bowler in T20Is.
In the T20 World Cup 2022, although he played only one match, he made it count by claiming 3 wickets, demonstrating his ability to make an impact even with limited opportunities.
Over the course of his 30 T20I matches, Naveen has taken 39 wickets at an impressive average of 20.10 and an economy rate of 7.93. His best figures, 4/20 against the U.A.E., showcase his talent for taking wickets while maintaining control over the run rate.
Naveen-ul-Haq T20I Stats
Matches
Wickets
Average
Economy
Best Figures
4Ws
5Ws
30
39
20.10
7.93
4/20
1
0
Naveen-ul-Haq T20I Stats By Opposition
Team
Matches
Wickets
Average
Economy
Best Figures
4/5Ws
Australia
1
3
7.00
5.25
3/21
0/0
Bangladesh
2
2
25.50
6.37
2/20
0/0
India
1
0
-
14.75
-
0/0
Ireland
6
10
14.20
7.96
3/21
0/0
Namibia
1
3
8.66
6.50
3/26
0/0
New Zealand
1
0
-
8.00
-
0/0
Pakistan
3
3
22.33
7.44
1/19
0/0
Scotland
1
1
12.00
6.00
1/12
0/0
Sri Lanka
2
3
21.00
9.00
2/40
0/0
U.A.E.
6
6
28.83
8.23
4/20
1/0
West Indies
3
5
16.40
7.45
3/24
0/0
Naveen-ul-Haq T20I Stats By Country
Country
Matches
Wickets
Average
Economy
Best Figures
4/5Ws
In Australia
1
3
7.00
5.25
3/21
0/0
In Bangladesh
1
2
10.00
5.00
2/20
0/0
In India
4
8
12.87
6.86
3/21
0/0
In Ireland
5
7
17.28
8.74
3/38
0/0
In U.A.E.
19
19
27.31
8.37
4/20
1/0
Naveen-ul-Haq IPL Career
In the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Naveen-ul-Haq emerged as a prominent figure for the Lucknow Super Giants, showcasing his burgeoning talent on one of cricket's most illustrious stages. After being bought by the franchise in December 2022, Naveen's performance in the tournament was nothing short of impressive.
Over the course of 8 matches, he demonstrated exceptional bowling skills, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 19.91. More notably, his economy rate of 7.82 in the high-scoring environment of the IPL highlighted his ability to maintain control and efficiency in pressure situations. This performance not only bolstered his reputation as a capable fast-medium bowler but also highlighted his potential to excel in T20 cricket, a format that demands both skill and tactical intelligence.
Naveen's successful stint with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL was proof of his evolving skillset and adaptability, further establishing him as a valuable asset in the competitive arena of international cricket. His contribution to the team was a bright spot in the tournament. The speedster was retained by the franchise for the IPL 2024 season.
Naveen-ul-Haq IPL Stats
Matches
Wickets
Average
Economy
Best Figures
4Ws
5Ws
8
11
19.91
7.82
4/38
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Naveen-ul-Haq
Q.1. When did Naveen-ul-Haq make his ODI debut?
Answer: Naveen-ul-Haq made his ODI debut for Afghanistan against Bangladesh on September 25, 2016.
Q.2. When did Naveen-ul-Haq make his T20I debut?
Answer: Naveen-ul-Haq made his T20I debut for Afghanistan against Bangladesh on September 21, 2019.
Q.3. How has Naveen-ul-Haq performed in T20 Internationals?
Answer: In T20 Internationals, Naveen-ul-Haq has claimed 39 wickets in 30 matches, at an economy rate of 7.93 and best figures of 4/20 against the U.A.E.
Q.4. How did Naveen-ul-Haq perform in the T20 World Cup 2021?
Answer: In the T20 World Cup 2021, Naveen-ul-Haq played a crucial role for Afghanistan, taking five wickets in five games.
Q.5. How did Naveen-ul-Haq perform in the 2023 IPL?
Answer: Naveen-ul-Haq had an impressive season with the Lucknow Super Giants in the 2023 IPL. He played in 8 matches and took 11 wickets at an average of 19.91. His economy rate was 7.82.
Naveen-ul-Haq plays T20I cricket for Afghanistan (Instagram)
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