Virender Sehwag expects an IPL franchise to swoop up Najibullah Zadran

Najibullah Zadran has been the most impressive Afghan batter at the T20 World Cup. He finished as the top-scorer of the side with 172 runs from five innings at an average of 34.40. Zadran’s knock against New Zealand in their last World Cup game summed up his approach – always resisting pressure and mounting counter-attacks.

With just two other players getting into double digits against a strong Kiwi bowling attack that left the top order in tatters, Najibullah Zadran ended up finishing with the biggest knock played by an Afghan cricketer in a T20 World Cup. His 48-ball 73 included six boundaries and three sixes.

Former Indian opening batter Virender Sehwag has heaped plenty of praise on Zadran. Having seen the Afghan from up close during a T10 League few years ago, Sehwag told Cricbuzz that Zadran is equally capable against pace and spin bowling and an IPL contract may beckon soon for him.

“I have played alongside him in T10 League so I was expecting such a knock from him. He is brilliant against both pace and spin and I feel an IPL contract is just around the corner for him,” said Sehwag.

Zadran was the single biggest positive for Afghanistan in yesterday’s loss to New Zealand. He was the only batter who wasn’t unafraid of being shackled by the opposition bowlers and instead, took the attack to them. It was because of his innings that Afghanistan were able to reach a respectable total of 124 following the horrific start that they endured.

At one point, it almost seemed that Zadran was batting on a completely different pitch from the rest of his teammates and the difference in intent was very stark. Sehwag also pointed out how Najibullah Zadran dealt well with the spin duo of Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner, something several other teams, including India, have found difficult to negotiate with.

Zadran eventually had to walk back to the pavilion while attempting to hit another boundary off Trent Boult. However, a fantastic catch from Jimmy Neesham left him undone. The Afghan resistance blew away after his wicket fell.

“I have played alongside him in T10 League so I was expecting such a knock from him. He is brilliant against both pace and spin and I feel an IPL contract is just around the corner for him,” said Sehwag.