In a tense Champions Trophy match in Lahore, Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai delivered a standout performance, taking crucial wickets, including that of England’s Joe Root, who was batting well at 114 runs. As England chased 326 runs with 27 needed off 20 balls, Omarzai’s unpredictable bowling turned the game in Afghanistan’s favor. He secured key wickets, showcasing his utility as an allrounder. With a newfound ability to win crucial moments, Afghanistan has emerged as a competitive side in international cricket, moving beyond reliance on players like Rashid Khan. They now prepare to face Australia, aiming for a second consecutive semi-final.
Throughout the thrilling Champions Trophy match, both teams fought desperately to stay alive, leading to several pivotal moments. In this high-pressure environment, Omarzai delivered a stellar death-overs performance of 3.5-0-26-3. When he entered the fray, Joe Root was still at the crease, unbeaten on 114, seemingly having swung the game in England’s favor. Omarzai executed an extraordinary delivery that pierced through the unresponsive pitch, surprising a seasoned batter and sending him back to the pavilion.
Root appeared sluggish on the upper cut, which is unusual for him. It was almost as if he anticipated the offcutter again. He had previously been deceived by one earlier in the over but still managed to hit a boundary. Perhaps he was preparing for another, with short fine and short third positioned, but it caught him completely off guard. For a fast bowler at the end of an innings, being unpredictable is crucial. Omarzai could not be anticipated, even by a member of the Fab Four.
“To outwit someone of Joe’s caliber, especially when he’s batting confidently over a hundred and has mastered the other bowlers, is what distinguishes him,” Mumtaz explained.
Omarzai had also secured Afghanistan’s first wicket, dismissing the explosive Phil Salt in the fourth over of a chase for 326. He made up for Rashid Khan’s off night by claiming Jos Buttler’s wicket during the middle overs. With an equation of 110 off 79 balls, the task grew more daunting as England had only two recognized batters remaining—Jamie Overton and Liam Livingstone—and he managed to dismiss one of them, bringing Afghanistan back into a match full of twists.
“He took Salt, Buttler, and Overton’s wickets,” said Mumtaz. “All four were vital, and he ultimately ended with a five-for, including Rahid’s wicket. He shifted the match dynamics not just once but thrice. I thought his dismissals of Root, Buttler, and Overton, considering the game situation, were quite remarkable.
“Afghanistan maintained their composure, which marks the biggest transition for this team—their newfound ability to clinch crucial moments against higher-ranked teams. The crowd, with England fans vastly outnumbered, created a magnificent roar; it felt like a true celebration of victory for Afghanistan. They are indeed contenders in major tournaments now.”
“Yet they remain highly competitive. The trajectory of Afghan cricket has been remarkable, with Rashid Khan perhaps serving as a trailblazer. His influence has been substantial, but now many other players are making significant contributions in major competitions.”
Afghanistan is set to face Australia on Friday in a rematch of that thrilling encounter from the 2023 World Cup, and a win will propel them to their second consecutive ICC tournament semi-final.