Kainat Imtiaz

PAK
PAK
Kainat Imtiaz

Player Bio

Kainat Imtiaz, born on 21 June 1992 in Karachi, has carved a niche for herself in the world of women's cricket. As an all-rounder, she has showcased her prowess both with the bat and ball, representing Pakistan on numerous occasions.

Early Life and Education

Kainat's educational journey began at Aga Khan School, later moving to Hamdard Public School. She completed her intermediate studies from Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Karachi, in 2010. A pivotal moment in her life was during the 2005 Women's Asia Cup in Pakistan, where she met Indian fast bowler Jhulan Goswami. Inspired by Goswami, Kainat decided to pursue fast bowling.

Cricketing Journey

Initial Years

Kainat's cricketing journey commenced in 2007 when she captained her school team in the U-17 Cricket tournament organised by the Pakistan Cricket Board. Her outstanding performance earned her the title of Player of the Tournament. By 2008, she was representing Pakistan in the Super Sixes tournament in China.

International Career

Making her T20I debut in October 2010, Kainat quickly became a mainstay in the Pakistani women's cricket team. Her ODI debut followed in November 2011 against Ireland. Over the years, she has been a part of significant tournaments, including the Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe in 2021 and the cricket tournament at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Domestic Career

On the domestic front, Kainat has played for several teams, including Sindh, Omar Associates, and the State Bank of Pakistan. Her consistent performances in the domestic circuit led to her recall to the national side, where she continued to impress with both bat and ball.

Notable Achievements and Statistics

Kainat Imtiaz, a name synonymous with dedication and prowess in the realm of women's cricket in Pakistan, has been a beacon of inspiration for many budding cricketers. Her journey, marked by numerous accolades and impressive statistics, stands testament to her commitment to the sport. With a batting average of 12.80 in WODIs and 15.00 in WT20Is, Kainat has showcased her batting skills on numerous occasions. As a bowler, her best figures in WODIs stand at 3/49. Beyond statistics, Kainat's contribution to the team, both as a player and a leader, has been invaluable.  Let's delve deeper into the notable achievements and statistics that have defined Kainat's illustrious cricketing career.

Kainat's introduction to the international cricketing arena came with her T20I debut in October 2010. This was swiftly followed by her ODI debut in November 2011 against Ireland. These debuts marked the beginning of a journey filled with milestones. Over the years, she has been a consistent performer, representing Pakistan in crucial matches and tournaments.

Kainat's primary strength lies in her bowling. In Women's One Day Internationals (WODIs), she has bowled 390 balls, taking 9 wickets with an average of 44.44. Her best bowling figures in this format stand at an impressive 3/49. In Women's T20 Internationals (WT20Is), she has delivered 132 balls and claimed 6 wickets with an average of 20.33. Her best figures in T20Is are 2/18. These statistics not only highlight her ability to take crucial wickets but also her consistency in maintaining a decent economy rate.

While primarily known for her bowling, Kainat has also made significant contributions with the bat. In WODIs, she has scored 128 runs with an average of 12.80, and her highest score stands at 24. In WT20Is, she has amassed 120 runs with an average of 15.00, with 29 being her top score. These figures, though not staggering, are crucial, especially when considering her primary role as a bowler. Her ability to contribute runs in crucial situations has often aided Pakistan in tight situations.

Kainat's domestic career has been nothing short of exemplary. Representing teams like Sindh, Omar Associates, and the State Bank of Pakistan, she has consistently been a top performer. Her domestic statistics are a testament to her dominance at this level. In Women's List A matches, she has scored 1,518 runs and taken 67 wickets, while in Women's T20 matches, she has accumulated 634 runs and claimed 34 wickets. These figures underscore her all-round capabilities and her importance to any team she represents.

Kainat's skills and consistency earned her a spot in major international tournaments. She was a part of the squad for the Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe in 2021. Furthermore, in May 2022, she was named in Pakistan's team for the cricket tournament at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. Representing one's country in such prestigious tournaments is an achievement in itself, and Kainat has consistently proven her worth on these grand stages.

Beyond the numbers, Kainat's contributions to the sport have been recognised on multiple occasions. Whether it's being named the Player of the Tournament in domestic competitions or earning praise for her performances in international matches, Kainat's achievements extend beyond the cricketing field. Her dedication to the sport and her ability to inspire the next generation of cricketers is an achievement that statistics alone cannot capture.

Over the years, Kainat has established herself as a pillar of the Pakistani women's cricket team. Her experience, combined with her consistent performances, has made her an invaluable asset to the team. Whether it's guiding the younger players, stepping up in crucial situations, or contributing consistently in all facets of the game, Kainat's role in the team's successes cannot be overstated.

Personal Life

Beyond the cricketing field, Kainat shares a special bond with her mother, Saleema Imtiaz, who is an umpire. In March 2022, Kainat embarked on a new journey as she tied the knot with Mohammad Waqar Uddin.

FAQs
When did Kainat Imtiaz make her international debut?
Kainat made her T20I debut in October 2010 and her ODI debut in November 2011.
Which domestic teams has Kainat played for?
She has played for teams like Sindh, Omar Associates, and the State Bank of Pakistan, among others.
What inspired Kainat to become a fast bowler?|
Meeting Indian fast bowler Jhulan Goswami during the 2005 Women's Asia Cup inspired her to pursue fast bowling.
When did Kainat get married?
Kainat got married to Mohammad Waqar Uddin on 30 March 2022.
Has Kainat represented Pakistan in any international tournaments?
Yes, she has represented Pakistan in tournaments like the Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier and the 2022 Commonwealth Games.