Usama Mir

Leg-break bowler born in Sialkot, Usama Mir, was in the limelight after he defended 18 runs against Shahid Afridi in the final over of the second edition of the PSL bowling for Karachi Kings. 

Interestingly, Afridi was the selector when he was brought in for his international debut series against New Zealand in 2023, on the backdrop of an outstanding Pakistan Cup, where he scalped 28 wickets in 11 games at an economy under 6.

His tall stature helps him to generate extra bounce, which is crucial on flat surfaces in Pakistan. The 27-year-old represented Khan Research Laboratories from 2013 to 2015, being a genuine wicket-taker.

Further, he ended the 2015 Super 8 T20 Cup at the top of the dismissal charts as he grabbed 11 wickets in just five matches. Also, Mir played a crucial part in Pakistan’s emerging side during the 2017 ACC Emerging Team Cup, as his side ended the tournament as runners-up.

The right-hander played four matches and took six wickets for Punjab in the 2018 Pakistan Cup, ending the tournament at the top of the scalps column.

Talking about his bowling, difficult-to-judge googly and tossed-up deliveries are his primary weapon, even in T20 cricket. The canny operator’s maiden international wicket was Kane Williamson, who was cleaned up by a classic leg-spinner.

(As of February 2023)