Junaid Dawood is a leg-spinner who has been making steady progress in South Africa’s domestic cricket. Coming through the Western Province system, Dawood caught the eye early because of his control and his eagerness to attack batters with flight and turn.

Unlike many youngsters who dream of being big-hitting batters, Dawood was drawn to spin bowling from his school days. Coaches at Rondebosch Boys’ High remember how he would stay behind after practice to bowl long spells on worn-out pitches, often asking senior players to face him just so he could test his variations. 

He made his first-class debut for Eastern Province in the 2016–17 Sunfoil 3-Day Cup. In the same season, he also made his List A debut. Over the years, Dawood has played for Western Province and the Lions. For the 2025/26 domestic season, the 1996-born leggie will be playing for the Titans. 

According to the former Proteas batter Ashwell Prince, Dawood is a "match-winner". The Cape Town-born cricketer has learnt a lot about the technical aspect of leg-spin bowling by watching videos of Shane Warne and Imran Tahir.

Dawood hasn't played in the SA20 league yet, but will most likely play in the 2025/26 season as the Pretoria Capitals franchise has signed him.

(As of October 2025)