Who is Saqib Khan? The Pakistani pacer entered the record books with 7 wickets in the first Test
Pakistan pacer Saqib Khan announced his arrival on the international scene in spectacular fashion, taking seven wickets on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The 31-year-old returned 7/130 in 34 overs to help Pakistan restrict Sri Lanka to 446 in their first innings and reduce 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 looked set for a much bigger total. However, Pakistan fought back through their debutant leading to a remarkable collapse as Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets for just 42 runs.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Day 4: Highlights | Scorecard
It was an unforgettable introduction to international cricket for Saqib. The right-arm pacer not only made an immediate impact but also joined the exclusive list of Pakistani fast bowlers who have taken seven wickets on Test debut.
RECORD TRIAL DEBUT
With his seven-wicket haul, Saqib became only the second Pakistani fast bowler to take seven wickets in an innings on Test debut. Mohammad Zahid was the first Pakistani pacer to do so, returning 7/66 against New Zealand in Rawalpindi in 1996. Zahid’s performance remains the best bowling figures by a Pakistani bowler on Test debut.
Saqib also became the fourth Pakistani bowler overall to take 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 reach the milestone.
SAQIB KHAN MAKES HISTORY! – Saqib Khan became only the second Pakistani fast bowler after Mohammad Zahid to take 7 wickets on Test debut. – The youngster makes a statement about his debut. Rayham. (@RayhamUnplugged) November 12, 2026
The achievement is particularly significant as no Pakistani fast bowler has taken seven wickets in a Test innings since Zahid achieved the feat 30 years ago. Saqib’s performance ended the long wait and put the spotlight on a bowler who took an unconventional route to the international scene.
FROM TAPE-BALL TO TEST CRICKET
Born on 9 September 1995 in Mingora, Swat, Saqib began his cricketing journey playing tape-ball cricket before switching to hard-hitting cricket in Karachi. Encouraged by friends, he joined the Future Stars Cricket Academy under coach Liaquat and spent seven to eight years working towards a professional opportunity.
His journey was tough, with established pacers like Sohail Khan, Tabish Khan and Mir Hamza vying for places on the Karachi cricket circuit. Saqib finally made his first-class debut in the 2024–25 season at the age of 29, taking 71 wickets in his first 16 matches.
He then represented Karachi Blues, Karachi Whites, Khan Research Laboratories and State Bank of Pakistan before getting 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 took 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 took 10 wickets in the 2026 President’s Trophy before earning his first Test in Pakistan.
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