Sediqullah Atal Credits ACC Emerging Asia Cup for Seamless Transition to International Cricket
Afghanistan's rising batting sensation, Sediqullah Atal, has credited his standout performances in the ACC Emerging Asia Cup as the foundation for his smooth entry into international cricket. Atal's maiden ODI century against Zimbabwe, paired with a brilliant 191-run opening partnership with Abdul Malik, helped Afghanistan set a daunting target on a challenging pitch. The team's bowling attack then wrapped up a dominant 232-run victory, dismissing Zimbabwe for just 54.
Atal's journey to international cricket has been a rapid ascent, with the 2024 ACC Emerging Asia Cup serving as his launching pad. He was named the tournament's player of the series, amassing 368 runs in five matches at a remarkable average of 122.66 and a blistering strike rate of 145. His stellar efforts were a key factor in Afghanistan A's title win.
Reflecting on his performances, Atal shared with Cricbuzz, "Winning the Emerging Asia Cup was a monumental achievement for Afghanistan cricket. As the tournament's top scorer, I gained immense confidence, realizing that I can excel at every level." This newfound belief, stemming from his success with Afghanistan A, has been a key driver in his continued form with the national team.
Despite his early success, Atal remains focused on further developing his game. "Cricket is ever-evolving, and it's essential to keep learning in modern-day cricket," he said. The left-hander emphasizes his dedication to fitness and skill development to position himself as a complete player with physical, mental, and technical strength on the international stage.
Atal's breakthrough century was a significant milestone, and he was quick to acknowledge the support from his family, especially his mother. "Whenever I perform well, I dedicate my success to her, as her happiness means the world to me," he shared.
With the ODI series against Zimbabwe concluding on December 21, Afghanistan now looks ahead to a two-match Test series starting December 26 in Bulawayo. Atal, who was initially selected for Afghanistan's one-off Test against New Zealand earlier this year, remains part of the Test squad for the upcoming series, as he continues to build on his early success at the international level.
