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In the world of cricket, every once in a while, a player emerges who captures the imagination of fans and experts alike. Afif Hossain is one such prodigy from Bangladesh. Born in Khulna on September 22, 1999, this left-handed batsman and right-arm offbreak bowler has quickly become one of the most talked-about cricketers in the Bangladesh circuit. With a nickname "Dhrubo", Afif has showcased his skill not just with the bat but also with the ball, making him a genuine all-rounder. His journey in the cricketing world is nothing short of inspiring, and his achievements at such a young age are a testament to his dedication and passion for the game.
Hailing from Khulna, a city known for producing some of Bangladesh's finest cricketers, Afif's love for the sport was evident from a young age. His natural talent was nurtured at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan, a renowned sports institute in the country. This institution has been the starting point for many of Bangladesh's cricketing stars, and Afif was no exception.
Afif's entry into professional cricket was marked by his performances in domestic teams such as Chattogram Challengers, Fortune Barishal, Jaffna Kings, and Rajshahi Royals. However, it was his T20I debut in 2017 that truly put him on the map. In just his second game, Afif showcased his batting prowess by scoring a rapid 52 off 26 balls batting at No. 8, leading Bangladesh to a narrow victory over Zimbabwe.
But it wasn't just his batting that drew attention. Afif made history as the youngest T20 debutant to take a five-wicket haul. At the tender age of 17 years and 72 days, he picked up 5 wickets for just 21 runs, including the prized scalp of the legendary Chris Gayle, while playing for Rajshahi Kings against Chittagong Vikings in December 2016. This performance was a clear indication of his potential and the bright future that lay ahead.
His early years in international cricket were marked by moments of brilliance. One such instance was in February 2022 in Chattogram. At a critical juncture when Bangladesh was reeling at 45 for 6, a 22-year-old Afif, along with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, stitched together a record partnership. They added an unbeaten 174 runs, which stands as the second-highest partnership for the seventh wicket or lower in ODIs. Such innings not only showcased his skill but also his maturity to handle pressure situations, a trait that is invaluable in the modern game.
Afif Hossain's journey from the streets of Khulna to representing Bangladesh on the international stage is a tale of hard work, determination, and immense talent. His early achievements in the world of cricket are just the beginning, and fans across the globe eagerly await to see what this young prodigy has in store for the future.
Afif Hossain's domestic career has been nothing short of spectacular, and it's evident that he's a force to be reckoned with on the field. At a young age of 17 years and 72 days, Afif made history by becoming the youngest bowler to claim a T20 five-wicket haul on his debut. This remarkable feat was achieved on 3 December 2016 while playing for Rajshahi Kings in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). During this match, he decimated the Chittagong Vikings' batting line-up with his impressive figures of 5 for 21, which also included the wicket of the renowned cricketer, Chris Gayle.
Afif's prowess isn't limited to bowling. He made his first-class debut for East Zone in the 2016–17 Bangladesh Cricket League on 11 February 2017. Opening the batting, he showcased his batting skills by scoring a commendable 105 in the first innings, earning him the 'player of the match' title. His domestic career further flourished when, on 5 June 2017, during the 2016–17 Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, he claimed a hat-trick while playing for Abahani Limited.
Throughout his domestic journey, Afif has been associated with several teams, including Khulna Division, Rajshahi Kings, Khulna Titans, Sylhet Sixers, Rajshahi Royals, Jaffna Kings, and Chattogram Challengers. His consistent performances have made him a sought-after player in the Bangladesh domestic circuit.
Afif's international journey began in 2018 when he was named in Bangladesh's Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for their series against Sri Lanka. He made his T20I debut on 15 February 2018 against Sri Lanka. Although his debut might not have been as memorable as he would have liked, with a second-ball duck and conceding 26 runs in 2 overs, it was just the beginning of what would become a promising international career.
His One Day International (ODI) debut came a bit later, on 6 March 2020, against Zimbabwe. Over the years, Afif has been a part of various series and tournaments, representing Bangladesh with pride and passion.
Afif's talent truly shone during the 2019–20 Bangladesh Tri-Nation Series. In a match against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh was in a precarious position, having lost 6 wickets for just 60 runs. With 85 runs still needed for victory, Afif stepped onto the crease and delivered a match-winning performance. Batting at no. 8, he played a blistering knock of 52 runs off just 26 balls. Alongside Mosaddek Hossain, he forged a crucial 82-run partnership, guiding Bangladesh to a memorable victory. For his outstanding innings, Afif was rightfully awarded the 'Man of the Match'.
Another notable performance came in February 2022, during a match against Afghanistan in Chattogram. Afif played a stellar innings, scoring an unbeaten 93 runs. This score is significant as it's the highest individual score by any Bangladeshi batter in ODI cricket while batting at number 7 or lower.
In August 2022, Afif showcased his batting prowess once again during the last ODI against Zimbabwe. He scored a brilliant 85 runs off 81 balls, helping Bangladesh post a competitive total of 256/9. His efforts were instrumental in preventing a series whitewash, and Bangladesh emerged victorious in the match. For his commendable performance, Afif was honoured with the "Man of the Match" award.
Afif Hossain's journey in both domestic and international cricket has been marked by numerous achievements and memorable performances. His dedication, skill, and passion for the game make him one of the brightest stars in Bangladesh cricket, and fans eagerly await more such performances from this young prodigy in the years to come.
Afif Hossain's cricketing journey, both in the domestic and international arenas, has been marked by impressive statistics that highlight his prowess as an all-rounder.
ODI Statistics:
Matches Played: 22
Runs Scored: 495
Batting Average: 35.35
Highest Score: 93*
Balls Bowled: 82
Wickets Taken: 3
Bowling Average: 22.66
Best Bowling: 1/0
T20I Statistics:
Matches Played: 60
Runs Scored: 1,003
Batting Average: 21.34
Highest Score: 77
Balls Bowled: 150
Wickets Taken: 9
Bowling Average: 23.22
Best Bowling: 2/9
These statistics, while impressive, only provide a numerical glimpse into Afif's capabilities. Behind each number lies a story of hard work, dedication, and moments of brilliance on the cricket field.
As of 2023, Afif Hossain stands as one of the most promising talents in Bangladesh cricket. His ability to adapt to different formats of the game, combined with his skills both as a batsman and a bowler, makes him an invaluable asset to the national team. His performances in recent matches, especially in pressure situations, have showcased not just his cricketing skills but also his mental fortitude.
Given his age and the experience he has already amassed, the future looks incredibly bright for Afif. If he continues on his current trajectory, he is poised to become one of the stalwarts of Bangladesh cricket in the coming years. The cricketing fraternity and fans alike have high hopes for this young prodigy, and many believe he has the potential to join the ranks of Bangladesh cricket legends.
While the journey of a sportsperson is filled with ups and downs, Afif's dedication, combined with the support of his team and fans, will undoubtedly see him reach new heights in the world of cricket.
FAQs
When did Afif Hossain make his T20I debut for Bangladesh?
Afif made his T20I debut for Bangladesh on 15 February 2018 against Sri Lanka.
What is Afif Hossain's highest score in ODIs?
Afif's highest score in ODIs is an unbeaten 93 runs.
Which team did Afif represent in the 2023 edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)?
In 2023, Afif represented the Chattogram Challengers in the BPL.
Has Afif Hossain ever taken a hat-trick in domestic cricket?
Yes, Afif took a hat-trick playing for Abahani Limited during the 2016–17 Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League.
Where was Afif Hossain born?
Afif Hossain was born in Khulna, Bangladesh, on 22 September 1999.
