Azmatullah Omarzai has emerged as the best find for Afghanistan in the ongoing world cup. He has accumulated 353 runs in 8 innings with 3 unbeaten knocks. The impact of these knocks can be easily assessed by the impressive average of 70.6 and a strike rate close to 100. To top it up, Omarzai was used as a successful partnership breaker which accounted for 7 dismissals at crucial times. Besides, he has been a live wire on the field. Who can forget his one hand pick up and throw to dismiss Max O’Dowd who fell inches short of his crease at a time when the batter was on top of his game.
Omarzai missed maiden ODI century by 3 runs
Looking back at the game against South Africa, Afghanistan kept losing wickets from one end while Azmatullah stood like a rock and kept the scoreboard rolling. It was an innings played with total control mixed with calculated aggression. This has been the hallmark of Omarzai that he has kept the interests of the team in mind and played according to the conditions. He could have achieved the feat of scoring his maiden ODI century but that unbeaten knock of 97 gave the team something to bowl at the end. From 160/7, Afghanistan fought hard to reach 244 at the end of 50 overs. Credit goes to the pair of Azmatullah and Noor Ahmad who weathered the storm pretty bravely.
Azmat a handful with new cherry never utilized optimally
He was never given the new ball to work with where he could have contributed a lot more. However, among all the opportunities that he received with the ball, made the most out of it. His double strike against New Zealand and Australia tilted the game in Afghanistan’s favor at that moment. Besides, he got solitary wickets against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Abdul Rahman to be on Azmat’s shoes soon?
Fast bowling all-rounders are a rarity and a very well respected breed. But Afghanistan is blessed to have a couple of them at the highest ranks. Besides Omarzai, Abdul Rahman was also a part of the world cup bound squad but could not get any game probably due to lack of experience of playing at the highest level. I guess he must have learned a few nuances of the game by staying close to core of the team. It was a classic example of passive learning which is also extremely beneficial.
Traits of Abdul and Azmat are similar
Both Abdul Rahman and Omarzai hail from Kunar and are known to be best buddies. The traits of their games are also similar. Both bowl at a similar pace of around 135-140 kmph and create impact with their bats in the lower order. The cherry on top are their electric fielding skills which always add value to the team. It is expected that Abdul Rahman will also create a similar name for himself pretty much how Azmatullah has done. Now that the world cup is done, Afghanistan must focus on bringing a few more youngsters and give them regular matches to showcase their skills. Abdul Rahman is definitely one of them.
Azmat has grown in stature with every game
The game against South Africa has certainly added a new dimension to Azmatullah’s repertoire. He was always a good striker of the ball but the waiting game that he displayed in the last game was a treat to the eyes. His confidence must have grown ever since Sachin Tendulkar tweeted about his great wrist position which helps him to move the ball either ways. He has really come of his age and should be a front runner as and when the IPL mini auction happens in December.