Croatia’s Zach Vukusic becomes youngest captain in world cricket
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Zach Vukusic (Photo: O. Tilley)
Croatia’s Zach Vukusic has made cricket history by becoming the youngest captain in international cricket across all formats.
On Thursday, at just 17 years and 311 days, Vukusic led Croatia in a four-match T20 International series against Cyprus at the Mladost Cricket Ground in Zagreb.
The feat set a new world record, surpassing the previous mark held by France’s Noman Amjad, who was 18 years and 24 days old when he captained his side in 2022 against the Czech Republic.
Vukusic, who plays club cricket in England, made his debut for Croatia at the age of 16 during the ICC T20 World Cup Sub Regional Europe Qualifiers in Germany.
A powerful top order batsman and right arm medium pace bowler, he has already shown his huge potential on the international stage.
In his first four T20Is, Vukusic scored 131 runs at an average of 32.75, with a top score of 53 and an impressive strike rate of around 144. With the ball, he claimed three wickets at an average of 24.33. His economy rate stood at 11.23.
Zach Vukusic (Photo: O. Tilley)
Even before his Croatia debut, Vukusic was making headlines in England. At just 16, he played in the English Premier League and scored an unbeaten 116 in 50-over cricket for Exeter.
Although Croatia lost the T20 series to Cyprus, they bounced back to win the T10 series 5-2.
While Vukusic now holds the record for the youngest captain in any format of international cricket, Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan still remains the youngest-ever Test captain, having led his country at 20 years and 350 days.
