If you follow modern cricket, chances are you’ve heard the name Shadab Khan. Known as one of Pakistan’s most reliable bowling all-rounders, Shadab has earned his spot in international cricket through consistency, grit, and match-winning performances. At just 26 years old, he has already carved out a solid reputation as a dependable leg-spinner and a handy lower-order batsman.
In this article, we’ll dive into Shadab Khan’s biography, career stats, batting and bowling records, and some lesser-known insights into his journey. Whether you’re a passionate Pakistan cricket fan or just curious about his achievements, this breakdown has everything you need.
Who is Shadab Khan?
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Full Name: Shadab Khan
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Date of Birth: October 4, 1998 (26 years old)
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Birthplace: Mianwali, Pakistan
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Role: Bowling All-Rounder
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Batting Style: Right-handed bat
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Bowling Style: Right-arm legbreak
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Nationality: Pakistani
Shadab Khan hails from Mianwali, the same region that produced cricket icons like Imran Khan. While initially seen as a specialist bowler, Shadab’s ability to contribute with the bat has turned him into a valuable all-rounder for Pakistan in all three formats.
Shadab Khan’s Rise in Cricket
Shadab burst onto the international scene in 2017, debuting in all three formats within a few months. His impressive control as a young leg-spinner quickly caught the attention of selectors. With a calm head on his shoulders and the ability to handle pressure situations, he soon became a regular name in Pakistan’s squads.
Some key highlights of his career include:
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Making his T20I debut against West Indies on March 26, 2017, at the Kensington Oval.
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Just days later, appearing in his ODI debut on April 7, 2017, against West Indies at Providence Stadium.
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Earning his Test debut against the same opponents on April 30, 2017.
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Representing Pakistan in global tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, where Pakistan lifted the trophy.
Shadab Khan Batting Career Stats
While primarily known for his bowling, Shadab has proven he can swing the bat when his team needs him most. Let’s break down his batting numbers across Test, ODI, and T20I formats.
Test Batting Stats
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Matches: 6
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Innings: 11
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Runs: 300
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Highest Score: 56
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Average: 33.33
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Strike Rate: 62.64
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50s: 3
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100s: 0
Shadab’s Test average of 33.33 is actually quite respectable for a lower-order batsman. His ability to play patient innings shows he isn’t just a slogger but someone who can adapt depending on the situation.
ODI Batting Stats
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Matches: 70
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Innings: 44
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Runs: 855
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Highest Score: 86
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Average: 25.91
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Strike Rate: 85.76
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50s: 4
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100s: 0
In ODIs, Shadab often comes in during the middle to lower order. His quick-fire 80s and 50s have helped Pakistan build momentum when the top order struggled.
T20I Batting Stats
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Matches: 112
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Innings: 58
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Runs: 792
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Highest Score: 52
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Average: 18.00
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Strike Rate: 140.18
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50s: 1
Shadab’s strike rate of 140+ in T20Is makes him a dangerous finisher. Even if he doesn’t score big runs often, his ability to clear the boundary in the final overs is a game-changer.
Shadab Khan Bowling Career Stats
Of course, bowling is where Shadab truly shines. As a leg-spinner, he’s been Pakistan’s go-to option for breaking partnerships and keeping the scoring rate in check.
Test Bowling Stats
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Matches: 6
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Wickets: 14
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Best Figures: 3/31 (innings), 4/80 (match)
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Bowling Average: 36.64
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Economy: 3.23
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Strike Rate: 68.14
In Test cricket, Shadab hasn’t yet had the chance to play consistently, but he’s shown promise as a supportive spinner alongside frontline bowlers.
ODI Bowling Stats
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Matches: 70
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Wickets: 85
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Best Figures: 4/27
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Bowling Average: 34.82
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Economy: 5.24
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Strike Rate: 39.86
In ODIs, Shadab has been Pakistan’s key middle-over bowler. His economy under 5.5 and ability to pick wickets at crucial times makes him a reliable asset.
T20I Bowling Stats
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Matches: 112
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Wickets: 112
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Best Figures: 4/8
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Bowling Average: 24.38
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Economy: 7.38
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Strike Rate: 19.83
With over 100 wickets in T20Is, Shadab is one of the most successful Pakistani T20 bowlers of his generation. His ability to strike in middle overs has often turned games in Pakistan’s favor.
Also Read : Tom Curran Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Career Timeline: Debuts & Last Matches
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T20I Debut: vs West Indies, March 26, 2017 (Kensington Oval)
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Last T20I: vs Bangladesh, June 1, 2025 (Gaddafi Stadium)
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Test Debut: vs West Indies, April 30, 2017 (Kensington Oval)
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Last Test: vs England, August 5, 2020 (Emirates Old Trafford)
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ODI Debut: vs West Indies, April 7, 2017 (Providence Stadium)
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Last ODI: vs England, November 11, 2023 (Eden Gardens)
What Makes Shadab Khan Special?
So, what sets Shadab apart from other all-rounders?
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Consistency in T20s: Few players manage to balance economy and wicket-taking as well as Shadab in T20 internationals.
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Leadership Qualities: He has served as Pakistan’s vice-captain and even captained in shorter formats, proving his cricketing brain is as sharp as his bowling.
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Batting Depth: His quick cameos down the order have rescued Pakistan multiple times, making him more than “just a bowler.”
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Fielding: Shadab is also an exceptional fielder, often saving runs and pulling off stunning catches.
Shadab Khan in Domestic & Franchise Cricket
Apart from international cricket, Shadab has also made his mark in:
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Pakistan Super League (PSL): As captain of Islamabad United, Shadab has been a consistent performer with both bat and ball.
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Overseas Leagues: He’s featured in T20 leagues around the world, showcasing his adaptability to different pitches and conditions.
The Road Ahead
At 26, Shadab Khan is still entering his cricketing prime. With experience in over 100 T20Is and 70 ODIs, he is likely to remain a core part of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket for years to come. If he continues improving his batting and refining his leg-spin, Shadab could easily go down as one of Pakistan’s greatest modern all-rounders.
Final Thoughts
Shadab Khan’s journey is a testament to hard work and consistency. From his debut in 2017 to becoming Pakistan’s go-to all-rounder in limited-overs cricket, he has grown into a player who balances both responsibility and flair.
Whether it’s breaking a crucial partnership with his spin, smashing a quick 30 down the order, or pulling off a brilliant dive in the field, Shadab brings energy and value every time he steps onto the pitch.
For Pakistan fans, he isn’t just another cricketer—he represents the new generation of players blending tradition with modern aggression.
