Determined Zen's found happy place after years of sacrifice

ZEN Malik waited 27 years and 23 days to make his First Class debut - but he’s making up for lost time after an impressive start to his professional red ball career.

- By BRIGG FORD

The top order batter hit a composed, match-winning innings at Headingley on his debut and followed that up with a maiden century at Edgbaston against County Championship title holders Surrey.

Malik’s story has been well documented in recent weeks.

He spent six seasons as a trialist knocking on county doors (he tried out with more than 10 pro sides) before a breakthrough season in 2024 when amassed 624 runs for Glamorgan’s Second XI, at an average of more than 100.

This was enough to convince Bears coaches that Malik - who'd been training and playing with the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) - deserved an opportunity and a two-year contract.

“It’s been a great couple of weeks... certainly worth the wait) said Malik, who developed through Worcestershire’s Youth Pathway and Academy.