Meet the Afghan Phenom: Sediqullah Atal, The Man Who Hit 7 Sixes in an Over

Afghanistan’s cricketing scene remains bright as Sediqullah Atal finally makes his much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for Delhi Capitals (DC) against Punjab Kings (PBKS). The 21-year-old hard-hitting batsman is brought in to replace Dushmantha Chameera, who leaked too many runs in his last outing. Atal’s addition infuses fresh life into the Delhi team, particularly with his image as a hard-hitting opener.

Sediqullah initially became international famous after hitting seven sixes in an over—a record-breaking thing that brought him to the limelight. With his aggressive strokeplay and powerful hitting, he has the platform of IPL 2025 now where he can introduce his talent to the rest of the world.

Sediqullah Atal: A Promising Start to International Cricket

Despite starting his international career recently, Atal has already earned a rich portfolio, especially in the One Day International (ODI) format. He first appeared in an ODI on November 6, 2024, versus Bangladesh. He has played nine ODIs since then, scoring 335 runs at a healthy average of 41.87 and a good strike rate of 82.10. His top score is 104, comprising a century and two fifties, emphasizing his ability to hold innings together and accelerate at times.

Concurrently, his Test career is in its infancy. He made his debut on December 26, 2024, against Zimbabwe, scoring only three runs in a single outing. His record in the T20 International format, however, is something that needs to be worked upon. Making his debut on March 27, 2023, against Pakistan, Atal has only scored 96 runs in nine matches, with an average of 10.66 and a strike rate of 87.27—figures that are below par for a T20 player.

Big Hopes in the IPL Arena

Even with a shaky T20I track record, Atal’s inclusion in the Delhi Capitals is a reflection of the franchise’s belief in his hidden potential. He adds unpredictability and power at the top order—something the IPL values heavily. His experience with Afghanistan during the Champions Trophy 2025 is also an added advantage in terms of high-pressure situations.

Now that he sets foot on the IPL stage, Sediqullah Atal has the burden of expectations—not just to replace Chameera but to become a new sensation in the globe’s most-watched T20 league. Whether he sets the tournament ablaze or not, one thing is sure—Atal has arrived.