Picture Credit: X
Afghanistan recently recorded a splendid win over Bangladesh in the first ODI at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. The game saw Afghan spinner Allah Ghazanfar emerging as a star for his side, with his six wickets for 26 runs to bundle out the rivals at 143. Batting first, Afghanistan had posted 236 runs. In return, Bangladesh were swiftly moving towards the chase and were at 120 for 2 before Ghazanfar turned the tide in his side’s favour.
The 16-year-old bowler dismantled the Bangladesh batting lineup and picked six wickets in total. Owing to his destructive bowling, Najmul Hossain Shanto remained his side’s highest scorer with 47 runs off 68 deliveries. Earlier, Mohammad Nabi played a remarkable knock of 84 runs off 79 deliveries to help the side post 235 runs and ultimately secure a mammoth 92-run win.
Who is Allah Ghazanfar? KKR spinner who picked six wickets for Afghanistan
Allah Ghazanfar was earlier a fast bowler before former skipper Dawlat Ahmadzai turned him into a mystery spinner. Ghazanfar made his debut in the U-19 World Cup 2024 and turned heads with his performance. During the tournament, he picked eight wickets in four matches. In March 2024, the youngster made his senior debut in an ODI against Ireland. He went on to play in the Emerging Asia Cup.
In the final against Sri Lanka A, he picked two wickets for the side and was adjudged Player of the Match. Owing to his heroics, Afghanistan lifted their maiden title in the tournament. Allah was also a part of the 2024 IPL winning team, Kolkata Knight Riders. He was drafted in as a replacement for Mujeeb ur Rahman but didn’t get a chance to play for the side. So far, the cricketer has played six ODIs for Afghanistan and recorded 10 wickets.
