Who is Awais Zafar? The 26-Year-Old Pakistan Star Getting His Test Debut Vs West Indies

Awais Zafar debuts for Pakistan [Source: X]

Awais Zafar has officially become Pakistan's newest Test cricketer after earning his maiden cap for the second Test against the West Indies at the Queen's Park Oval. With Pakistan making four changes following their disappointing defeat in the series opener, the selectors finally handed the 26-year-old middle-order batter his long-awaited international debut.

For the unaware, Awais Zafar received his Test cap from Pakistan captain Babar Azam before the start of the second Test. The Sargodha-born batter found his place in the playing XI, while Abdullah Shafique, Sajid Khan and Ubaid Shah also earned their place in the side as Pakistan looked to level the series.

Who is Awais Zafar?

Awais is a 26-year-old right-handed middle-order batter from Sargodha, Pakistan, who has rapidly climbed the domestic ranks over the last three years. Although relatively unknown outside Pakistan's domestic circuit, the batter has built a reputation for being one of the country's most consistent red-ball performers.

The Pakistan vs West Indies series has now given Zafar the biggest opportunity of his career, with the selectors rewarding his consistency in first-class cricket. 

A technically sound batter, Zafar is known for his ability to score freely against both pace and spin while also possessing the temperament required to bat long hours under difficult conditions.

While primarily an accumulator in the middle order, he can also switch gears when required and clear the ropes with ease, making him a complete package in longer formats.

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The Domestic Performances That Earned Him A Pakistan Call-Up

Zafar made his first-class debut during the 2023-24 domestic season and wasted little time in establishing himself as one of Pakistan's brightest batting prospects.

He crossed the 500-run mark in consecutive President's Trophy campaigns and enjoyed a sensational 2024-25 season, scoring 520 runs at a staggering average of 74.28. His remarkable consistency soon caught the attention of the national selectors.

Ahead of the 2025-26 season, Awais Zafar moved to SNGPL, where he announced himself in List A cricket with a blistering unbeaten 108 off just 57 deliveries against WAPDA.

He also played a defining role in Faisalabad's promotion to the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, piling up 622 runs at an average of 47.84, including two centuries during the campaign.

The right-hander's rise also earned him a Pakistan Super League contract with the Multan Sultans in 2026. Although he featured in only one match, he impressed immediately by scoring 36 runs from 27 deliveries against Karachi Kings.

Interestingly, he further strengthened his case for international cricket just before the Test series by scoring an unbeaten 64 against the West Indies Select XI in Pakistan's warm-up fixture in Port of Spain.

How Good Has Awais Zafar Been In Domestic Cricket?

Despite making his first-class debut only in 2023, Zafar has already established himself as one of Pakistan's most dependable middle-order batters.

In 34 first-class matches, he has accumulated 2,278 runs at an impressive average of 42.98, including seven centuries and ten half-centuries, with a highest score of an unbeaten 178.

His List A numbers are equally encouraging, having scored 432 runs at an average of 39.27 with one century, while in T20 cricket he has registered 334 runs at a strike rate of 126.03.

Pakistan's selectors had initially included him in the Test squad for the West Indies and England tours owing to his exceptional domestic form. With Shan Masood's injury opening the door, Awais Zafar has finally received his opportunity on the biggest stage.

Now, all eyes will be on whether the 26-year-old can translate his domestic success into international performances and cement a permanent place in Pakistan's evolving Test middle order.

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