Afghanistan is quickly becoming the land of mystery spinners. The country seems to unearth spinning prodigies every year, and now they have a new sensation: 18-year-old Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar.
The young spinner just made a massive impact, taking six wickets to help Afghanistan secure a commanding 92-run victory over Bangladesh in the first ODI in Sharjah. His standout performance – 6 for 26 in 6.3 overs – turned the game around in the blink of an eye, leaving cricket fans and experts buzzing about this new star.
Breakthrough Performance
Bangladesh looked comfortable at 120-2 while chasing 236. Then came Ghazanfar, and in a matter of overs, he flipped the match on its head. He took three wickets in a single over, sending Bangladesh from a position of strength to the verge of defeat.
The visitors went from 132/3 to being bowled out for just 143, all thanks to Ghazanfar’s magical spell. His figures of 6-26 are now the best by any bowler in an Afghanistan-Bangladesh ODI, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan’s 5-29 at Southampton in 2019.
Who is Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar?
The story of Allah Ghazanfar’s rise is as unique as his talent. Interestingly, he didn’t start as a spinner. Ghazanfar initially trained as a fast bowler, but it was former Afghan skipper Dawlat Ahmadzai who saw his potential as a mystery spinner. And since then, Ghazanfar has never looked back.
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He first caught everyone’s attention during the 2024 U-19 World Cup, where he took eight wickets in four games. Those impressive performances opened doors for him, leading to his ODI debut against Ireland in March 2024, at the young age of just 16.
A Rising Star in High-Pressure Matches
Ghazanfar’s skill has already shone through in high-stakes games. He earned the Player of the Match award in the Emerging Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka A, where his two crucial wickets guided Afghanistan to their maiden title.
In fact, he even found himself on an IPL team this year, joining the Kolkata Knight Riders as a replacement for Mujeeb ur Rahman. Although he didn’t get a chance to play for KKR, the experience was invaluable, and it’s only a matter of time before he makes a mark in franchise leagues too.
A Key Player in Afghanistan’s Success
Allah Ghazanfar has now played six ODIs for Afghanistan, picking up ten wickets and proving he’s more than just a one-hit wonder. He played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s historic series win over South Africa, taking four wickets in three games.
He might not have picked up a large haul of wickets, but he was a master of containment. His tight lines and ability to stay unreadable put immense pressure on the South African batsmen, allowing bowlers like Rashid Khan to attack and take wickets.
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Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, is clearly pleased with Ghazanfar’s talent, even joking with him about his habit of bowling the occasional no-ball. “He is a special talent and has a good future for Afghanistan. I am very happy with the options we have on the bench,” Shahidi shared, showing his confidence in the young spinner’s potential.
What’s Next for Allah Ghazanfar?
Allah Ghazanfar’s rise is just beginning. With Afghanistan’s reputation for producing quality spinners, his journey will likely be one to watch. It’s exciting to think about what he could accomplish as he gains more experience and exposure on the international stage.
For now, cricket fans are simply thrilled to see the new talent bringing his own brand of mystery spin into the game. In a team already rich with spinning talent, Ghazanfar adds a new layer of intrigue.
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