A great platform for budding cricketers is the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, which has over the years produced gems for several nations, who have made their mark in international cricket, and the ongoing 2024 edition is no different, where Afghanistan A's Sediqullah Atal is leaving his mark. With the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Mega Auction are just around the corner, franchisees will want to pounce on Atal, the moment the cricketer's name comes out of the hat. Afghanistan A Stun India A By 20 Runs, Enter ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 Final Against Sri Lanka A.

Atal's Stellar Show In ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024

Atal, 23, has been in prime form this ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 and has managed to help Afghanistan A qualify for the final of the tournament. The left-handed opener has been a cut above the rest in the competition, notching up fifty-plus scores in all four matches, including an unbeaten 95 against Bangladesh A and a match-winning 83 against India A in the semifinals.

The opener has the skills to play pacers and maneuver or take chances against spinners, which makes Atal an asset for any XI. The leading run-getter in ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup  2024 by a mile with 313 runs has already tasted international action, having represented Afghanistan in six T20 Internationals (T20I). However, the southpaw managed just 72 runs across all appearances; his innings against Ireland in Sharjah showcased glimpses of his talent.

Why Sediqullah Atal?

Atal is known for his big-hitting, which was evident during his 48-run in-an-over onslaught during the Kabul Premier League, where the opener hit seven sixes in the over for Shaheen Hunters. In the same tournament final, Atal slammed 103 off 42 balls. Sediq Atal Equals Ruturaj Gaikwad's Record of Seven Sixes in One over During Kabul Premier League 2023 T20 Clash (Watch Video).

Atal's numbers in T20s are impressive, where the opener has amassed 1,263 runs in 41 matches with ten fifties, mostly for Band-e-Amir Dragons, and Afghanistan A and U-19 sides.

Off-late IPL franchises have invested in Afghanistan talent, where mostly bowlers hog the limelight, which might change in case Atal gets drafted into a team.

Atal could take inspiration from fellow countryman Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who rose to stardom after performances for Kollata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2022 edition, slamming 227 runs in 11 matches.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 25, 2024 11:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).