WEB DESK: An eight-year-old girl from Pakistan’s northwestern region has taken social media by storm after a video of her fiery bowling action went viral, drawing comparisons to South African fast-bowling great Dale Steyn.
Aena Wazir, who belongs to Shawal Tehsil in North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, impressed viewers with her sharp pace, smooth run-up and confident delivery stride. Cricket fans online praised her natural rhythm and fearless approach, remarkable for someone her age.
Despite limited sports infrastructure in her district, Aena continues to practise passionately. Access to proper coaching facilities and playgrounds remains scarce in parts of North Waziristan, yet the young cricketer’s commitment to the game has not diminished.
Aena aspires to represent Pakistan at the highest level and dreams of wearing the national women’s team jersey one day. She says she draws inspiration from leading Pakistani stars such as Babar Azam and Naseem Shah, whose performances motivate her to train harder.
Currently a second-grade student, Aena is also aware of the broader challenges faced by children in her region, including gaps in quality education and sports facilities. She has called on authorities to invest in schools and playgrounds, emphasising that nurturing young talent can help Pakistan shine on the international stage.
Her story has resonated widely, with many social media users hoping that her determination and early promise will open doors to greater opportunities in the future.
