Naseem Shah was born on 15 February 2003 in Lower Dir District, Pakistan. A left‑arm fast bowler, he entered the international arena in November 2019 when he played his first Test against Australia at the Brisbane Cricket Ground. His early breakthroughs included becoming the youngest fast bowler to claim a five‑wicket haul in Test cricket and the youngest bowler ever to take a Test hat‑trick, milestones that marked him as a rare talent in Pakistani cricket.
Since his debut, Shah has featured in 20 Tests, 36 ODIs and 36 T20Is. He has taken 60 Test wickets at an average of 35.13, 63 ODI wickets at 26.92 and 33 T20I wickets at 31.39. His highest scores are 33 in Tests and 51 in ODIs, the latter recorded against New Zealand in April 2025. Domestically he has represented Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited, Central Punjab and Quetta Gladiators before moving to Islamabad United and Rawalpindi in the Pakistan Super League.
Naseem Shah: quick facts
- Born: 15 February 2003, Lower Dir District
- Team: Pakistan
Naseem Shah career statistics
Batting
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest | Average | Strike rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 20 | 27 | 144 | 33 | 7.58 | 31.51 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 36 | 19 | 199 | 51 | 16.58 | 86.52 | 0 | 1 |
| T20Is | 36 | 12 | 46 | 16 | 5.75 | 100.00 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 20 | 60 | 5/31 | 35.13 | 3.71 |
| ODIs | 36 | 63 | 5/33 | 26.92 | 5.64 |
| T20Is | 36 | 33 | 3/21 | 31.39 | 8.22 |
Figures as of 10 November 2026. Figures from Cricsheet (cricsheet.org), Open Data Commons Attribution licence.
Digital marketing that shows up in revenueNaseem Shah’s early life
Naseem hails from Mayar Jandool, a town in the Lower Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and grew up in a Pashtun family. He is fluent in Pashto and Urdu and began playing tape‑ball cricket in his native region before his uncle enrolled him at the Abdul Qadir Cricket Academy in Lahore at the age of 13, where he was coached by Sulaman Qadir.
Naseem Shah’s domestic career
He made his first‑class debut for Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited in the 2018–19 Quaid‑e‑Azam Trophy on 1 September 2018 and his List A debut for the same side on 16 October 2018. In September 2019 he was named in Central Punjab’s squad for the 2019–20 Quaid‑e‑Azam Trophy and made his Twenty‑20 debut for Central Punjab on 13 October 2019 in the National T20 Cup.
Naseem Shah’s international career
Shah’s Test debut came against Australia at the Brisbane Cricket Ground on 21 November 2019, making him the ninth‑youngest player to appear in Test cricket. Over 20 Tests he has bowled 60 wickets at an average of 35.13, with best figures of 5/31 against Sri Lanka at the National Stadium, Karachi on 19 December 2019. His batting record in Tests comprises 144 runs at an average of 7.58, a highest score of 33 against England at Multan on 7 October 2024.
Naseem Shah’s franchise and league career
Shah played for Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League from 2019 to 2023 before being traded to Islamabad United ahead of the 2024 season. On 11 February 2026 the Rawalpindi franchise signed him for PKR 8.65 crore, making him the most expensive player in the inaugural PSL auction.
Naseem Shah’s playing style
Cricket analysts note Shah’s bowling action as unusually complete for a teenager, with a measured run‑up, compact alignment at the crease and an assertive follow‑through that invite comparisons with Richard Hadlee and Shane Bond. His pace, recorded at 147 km/h in his first over, is coupled with a disciplined line and the ability to generate swing, attributes praised by senior players such as Waqar Younis and David Warner.
Naseem Shah’s records and achievements
At 16 years and 307 days Shah became the youngest fast bowler and second‑youngest overall to claim a five‑wicket haul in Test cricket, taking 5/31 against Sri Lanka in December 2019. He later recorded the youngest Test hat‑trick on 9 February 2020, dismissing three Bangladesh batsmen in succession. His best ODI innings is 51 runs against New Zealand at Seddon Park on 2 April 2025, while his top Test score of 33 came against England at Multan on 7 October 2024.
Naseem Shah: frequently asked questions
When was Naseem Shah born?
Naseem Shah was born on 15 February 2003 in Lower Dir District.
Where is Naseem Shah from?
Naseem Shah was born in Lower Dir District, Pakistan.
Which teams has Naseem Shah played for?
Naseem Shah plays international cricket for Pakistan.
When did Naseem Shah make an international debut?
Naseem Shah made a Test debut against Australia at Brisbane Cricket Ground on 21 November 2019. Naseem Shah made an ODI debut against Netherlands at Hazelaarweg, Rotterdam on 16 August 2022. Naseem Shah made a T20I debut against India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 28 August 2022.
What is Naseem Shah’s highest score?
Naseem Shah’s highest score is 33 in Tests, 51 in ODIs and 16 in T20Is.
How many wickets has Naseem Shah taken?
Naseem Shah has taken 60 wickets in Tests, 63 wickets in ODIs and 33 wickets in T20Is.
What are Naseem Shah’s best bowling figures?
Naseem Shah’s best bowling figures are 5/31 in Tests, 5/33 in ODIs and 3/21 in T20Is.
