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Usman Khawaja, born on December 18, 1986, in Islamabad, Pakistan, is a prominent Australian cricketer. Known for his calm demeanor and exceptional batting skills, he has left an indelible mark in international cricket. Usman made history as the first Muslim and Pakistani-born player to represent Australia in Test cricket. Moving to Sydney, Australia, with his family at the age of five, Usman pursued his education in Aviation and is a licensed commercial pilot.
Early Life and Journey to Cricket Stardom
Usman Khawaja began his cricketing journey with the Valley District Cricket Club in Brisbane. His passion and talent for the game earned him a spot in the 2006 ICC Under-19 World Cup. A first-class debut for New South Wales followed in 2008, where he scored 85 runs, showcasing his potential.
His breakthrough came in 2011 when he was selected as a replacement for Ricky Ponting in the Ashes series. This marked the start of a remarkable international career. Despite early setbacks, including being dropped from the ODI squad, Khawaja’s resilience and hard work helped him reclaim his position.
Domestic Career: Building a Solid Foundation
Usman Khawaja’s domestic career has been noteworthy. He played for New South Wales, where he was the first batsman to score consecutive double centuries for the NSW Second XI. His consistent performances in the Big Bash League (BBL) for Sydney Thunder solidified his reputation. In BBL05, he emerged as the second-highest run-scorer with 345 runs.
Khawaja has also excelled in county cricket, playing for Derbyshire and Lancashire. His versatility was evident when he captained the Queensland cricket team, leading them to significant victories.
International Career: Rising Through Challenges
Test Career
Khawaja’s Test debut on January 3, 2011, against England was historic. He became the seventh non-Australian-born cricketer to represent the country. His maiden Test century came in 2015 against New Zealand, followed by his first century in a Day-Night Test match. Despite facing disciplinary issues in 2013, Khawaja made a strong comeback, proving his mettle in several series, including the 2019 Ashes.
ODI Career
Usman’s ODI debut came in 2013 against Sri Lanka, but his early performances were lackluster. A defining moment in his ODI career was the limited-overs tour of India in 2019, where he impressed with his batting. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury ruled him out of the 2019 Cricket World Cup during the group stage.
T20I Career
Khawaja’s T20I debut occurred on January 31, 2016, against India. His highlight in this format was a half-century against Bangladesh during the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup. However, his impact in T20Is remained limited, and he has not featured in the format since 2016.
Awards and Achievements
- ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2023
- Player of the Australian Under-19 Championship in 2005
- First batsman to score a century in a Day-Night Test match on home soil
- Numerous impactful innings across Test and domestic cricket
Personal Life and Family
Usman Khawaja married Rachel McLellan on April 6, 2018. Rachel converted to Islam before their marriage, symbolizing the bond of love and mutual respect. His father, Tariq Khawaja, and mother, Fozia Tariq, moved to Australia to provide better opportunities for their children. Usman has two brothers, Nauman and Arsalan Khawaja.
Controversies and Challenges
Khawaja faced challenges during the 2012-13 Border-Gavaskar Trophy when he, along with teammates, was suspended for disciplinary breaches. Despite these setbacks, he emerged stronger and more focused, earning accolades for his sportsmanship and dedication.
Off-Field Interests
Usman Khawaja is not just a cricketer; he is a licensed commercial pilot, reflecting his academic excellence with a Bachelor in Aviation. A passionate golfer, he serves as an ambassador for the Brisbane Golf Club. He also enjoys playing the guitar and listening to music in his leisure time.
Records and Milestones
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Played in the ICC U-19 World Cup |
| 2008 | Made first-class debut |
| 2011 | Test and BBL debut |
| 2015 | Scored maiden Test century |
| 2019 | Played in the ICC Cricket World Cup |
| 2023 | ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year |
Legacy and Impact
Usman Khawaja’s journey from Islamabad to representing Australia is inspiring. As the first Muslim cricketer for Australia, he has broken stereotypes and inspired many aspiring athletes. His calm demeanor on the field and his resilience off it make him a role model. With numerous records and achievements, Khawaja continues to contribute to Australian cricket.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
