Who is Saqib Khan? Pakistan pacer enters record books with 7-wicket haul on Test debut
Pakistan pacer Saqib Khan announced his arrival on the international stage in spectacular fashion, claiming a seven-wicket haul on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The 31-year-old returned figures of 7/130 in 34 overs, helping Pakistan restrict Sri Lanka to 446 in their first innings and limit their lead to just 12 runs.
Saqib’s performance was particularly impressive considering Sri Lanka’s dominant position. After reaching 404/4 on Day 3, the visitors appeared set for a much bigger total. However, Pakistan fought back through their debutant, who led a remarkable collapse as Sri Lanka lost their final six wickets for just 42 runs.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test Day 4: Highlights | Scorecard
For Saqib, it was a memorable introduction to international cricket. The right-arm pacer not only made an immediate impact but also joined an exclusive list of Pakistan fast bowlers to claim seven wickets on Test debut.
A RECORD-BREAKING TEST DEBUT
With his seven-wicket haul, Saqib became only the second Pakistan fast bowler to claim seven wickets in an innings on Test debut. Mohammad Zahid was the first Pakistan pacer to achieve the feat, returning figures of 7/66 against New Zealand in Rawalpindi in 1996. Zahid’s performance remains the best bowling figures by a Pakistan bowler on Test debut.
Saqib also became the fourth Pakistan bowler overall to register a seven-wicket haul on Test debut. Mohammad Nazir (7/99 against New Zealand in 1969), Zahid and Abrar Ahmed (7/114 against England in 2022) are the other three to have achieved the milestone.
The achievement is particularly significant as no Pakistan fast bowler had taken seven wickets in a Test innings since Zahid accomplished the feat 30 years ago. Saqib’s performance has ended that long wait and put the spotlight on a bowler who took an unconventional route to the international stage.
FROM TAPE-BALL TO TEST CRICKET
Born on September 9, 1995, in Mingora, Swat, Saqib began his cricketing journey playing tape-ball cricket before transitioning to hard-ball cricket in Karachi. Encouraged by friends, he joined Future Stars Cricket Academy under coach Liaquat and spent seven to eight years working towards a professional opportunity.
His journey was challenging, with established pacers such as Sohail Khan, Tabish Khan and Mir Hamza competing for places in Karachi’s cricket circuit. Saqib eventually made his first-class debut during the 2024-25 season at the age of 29, claiming 71 wickets in his first 16 matches.
He went on to represent Karachi Blues, Karachi Whites, Khan Research Laboratories and State Bank of Pakistan before earning an opportunity with Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He draws inspiration from legendary fast bowlers James Anderson and Dale Steyn.
His domestic performances earned him national recognition. Saqib claimed 47 wickets in nine matches at an average of 20.60 in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, playing a key role in Karachi Blues’ title-winning campaign. He also picked up 10 wickets in the 2026 President’s Trophy before earning his maiden Pakistan Test call-up.
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