Usman Khan walked into the Pindi Cricket Stadium knowing this was the moment he couldn’t afford to waste. Pakistan were wobbling at 54-4 in a chase of 148 against Zimbabwe, and the pressure was heavy, on the team and on a batter who has fought hard to reclaim his place. With an unbeaten 37, Usman not only anchored Pakistan’s innings but also revived his own international hopes in the opening game of the Twenty20 tri-nation series.
Also Read: Will Fast-Track Visas Really Make the 2026 FIFA World Cup Easier for International Fans?
His journey back hasn’t been simple. After choosing to represent the United Arab Emirates in 2021, he returned to Pakistan’s cricket setup last year following standout performances in the Pakistan Super League. But his comeback series against South Africa last month didn’t give him much room to impress. A single match, a score of 12, and a heavy team defeat meant he had to wait once again for the right opportunity.
That opportunity came against Zimbabwe, and this time Usman made it count. Partnering with Fakhar Zaman in a steady 61-run stand, he showed a calmer, more mature batting approach, a shift from the fast-paced hitting he was once known for. In a crucial phase of Pakistan experimenting and fine-tuning combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup, his performance arrived at exactly the right time.
Despite being left out of Pakistan’s central contracts this year, Usman insists he doesn’t regret choosing Pakistan over the UAE. At the post-match press conference, he made it clear that representing his home country is a dream worth fighting for. He acknowledged the difference in exposure and opportunity, saying that in the UAE he would always remain an associate-level player, but in Pakistan, strong performances instantly spark nationwide attention.
He credited his improved form to consistent domestic cricket including matches in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy — and a renewed focus on fitness and wicketkeeping skills. His coaches have pushed him, and he believes the disciplined training has helped him build longer, more responsible innings instead of swinging hard from ball one.
With the World Cup approaching, questions about his selection naturally surfaced. Usman avoided bold claims, instead sticking to a grounded, disciplined mindset. He said that thinking too far ahead doesn’t help; what matters is performing in the moment and giving everything to each chance he gets.
For now, his unbeaten 37 has reopened the conversation around his future. And if he continues to deliver under pressure, Pakistan’s selectors will have a much tougher decision to make.
