Growing up in Khost, Zadran was introduced to cricket at a young age. His passion for the sport was evident, and he quickly progressed through local cricketing ranks, showcasing his potential as a future star.
Domestic Career Beginnings
Zadran made his List A debut for Mis Ainak Region in the 2017 Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One Day Tournament on August 11, 2017. Shortly after, he debuted in Twenty20 cricket for Mis Ainak Knights in the 2017 Shpageeza Cricket League on September 12, 2017. These early performances laid the foundation for his professional career.
Rise Through Under-19 Cricket
In December 2017, Zadran was selected for Afghanistan's squad in the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. He emerged as the team's leading run-scorer, amassing 186 runs in the tournament, which highlighted his talent on an international platform.
Test Debut and Early Success
Zadran's consistent performances earned him a spot in Afghanistan's Test squad. He made his Test debut against Bangladesh on September 5, 2019, in Chattogram, scoring a commendable 87 runs in the first innings, contributing significantly to Afghanistan's victory.
ODI and T20I Debuts
Following his Test success, Zadran debuted in One Day Internationals (ODIs) against the West Indies on November 11, 2019, and in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) on November 14, 2019, against the same team. His adaptability across formats showcased his versatility as a batsman.
Record-Breaking Performances
In November 2022, during an ODI series against Sri Lanka, Zadran scored a remarkable 162 runs in the third match, setting a new record for the highest individual score by an Afghan player in ODIs. This performance was pivotal in Afghanistan's series success.
World Cup Milestone
Zadran continued to shine on the world stage during the 2023 Cricket World Cup. On November 7, 2023, he scored an unbeaten 129 runs against Australia at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, marking Afghanistan's first-ever century in a World Cup match..
Champions Trophy Achievement
On February 26, 2025, in the ICC Champions Trophy, Zadran made history by becoming the first Afghan player to score a century in the tournament. His 177-run innings against England not only set a personal best but also became the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history.
Consistency Across Formats
Throughout his career, Zadran has maintained impressive statistics across all formats. As of February 2025, he boasts an ODI batting average of 51.06, with six centuries and seven fifties, underscoring his role as a cornerstone of Afghanistan's batting lineup.
Personal Life and Legacy
Beyond the cricket field, Zadran is known for his dedication and humble demeanor. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall, he continues to inspire young cricketers in Afghanistan, symbolizing the nation's growing prominence in international cricket.