Usman Khawaja welcomes baby girl

After Brisbane cricketer Usman Khawaja and wife Rachel chose to keep the gender a surprise throughout the pregnancy, the couple have excitedly announced the birth of their second daughter.

Usman and Rachel Khawaja have welcomed their second child.

The Brisbane cricketer announced on Monday that Rachel had given birth to their second daughter on April 28, with the couple naming her Ayla Fozia Mishel Khawaja.

“Mum MashaAllah was great as always,” he wrote alongside an image of their baby girl.

“Inshallah the most high will help you grow up to be a strong, independent and loving Muslim woman. I know I’ll be trying my best to make sure you are!”

The couple kept the sex of their second child a surprise – as they did with their daughter Aisha, one – believing there are few great surprises in life.

Despite initial fears Khawaja might miss the birth due to Australia’s tour in Pakistan, he was home in Brisbane in time to share in the surprise of welcoming another baby girl.

“Can’t believe we now have two beautiful daughters,” Rachel wrote.

“Feeling unbelievably blessed and deep in that newborn love bubble at the moment.”

Khawaja, who has recently moved into a new family home in Brisbane, has credited his settled family life and becoming a father for his recent batting form and successes for Australia.

“Having Aisha around, I come home and it’s a bit of fun and it takes you away from the game, which is really nice,” he told Qweekend in February.

Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja with wife Rachel and daughter Aisha, one. Rachel is expecting their second child.

Originally published as Usman Khawaja welcomes baby girl