Afghanistan-born teen Hamidullah Qadri bowls Derbyshire to first win since 2015

16-year-old Hamidullah Qadri, the youngest ever player to represent Derbyshire County Cricket Club and the first player to be born in the 21st century, gave his team something to cheer by ending their winless streak lasting 710 days. Having moved to the UK aged 11 from Afghanistan, the off-spinner took 5-60 on debut to lead his team to a 39 run victory over Glamorgan in Cardiff.

Qadri, who took 1-16 in the first innings, was made to open the bowling in the second innings, with his side defending a meager 212. He didn’t disappoint his captain Billy Godleman who was visibly ecstatic after getting the winning feeling again after an agonising wait.

He had his spinners Qadri, JeevanMendis and former skipper Wayne Madsen to thank for the win after they shared all nine wickets to fall to bowlers. “It was an honour to lead the team off,” said Qadri. “Especially as it was my debut and it was our first win in almost two years.It’s amazing, a first win for Derby for two years, so all the boys are so happy and they were very supportive throughout my spell. It was really good to express my skills and take a first five-for of my career in a winning cause.”

Played league cricket for Alvaston and Boulton

Interestingly, Qadri left Afghanistan having never played cricket before, and his interest peaked in his 5 years in the UK. He was spotted by coaches after taking the game up at school and has been through the Derbyshire age groups, playing league cricket for Alvaston and Boulton.

His rise to the domestic county scene has been formidable. “As a youngster, you want to take every opportunity, so it felt really good.

I back my skills, I know I’m good enough to play on this stage and I reckon you should express your skills and play without fear.”