Allah Ghazanfar, the rising star of Afghanistan cricket, has once again proven his mettle by delivering exceptional performances during the ODI series against Zimbabwe. On December 21, 2024, Ghazanfar played a pivotal role leading to Afghanistan’s commanding eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, thereby clinching the three-match series with a 2-0 result.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Afghanistan’s bowlers wreaked havoc on the Zimbabwean batting lineup, skittling them for just 127 runs within 30.1 overs. The star of the day was Ghazanfar, who achieved impressive bowling figures of 5 wickets for 33 runs over 10 overs, marking his second five-wicket haul of his young career. His first five-wicket haul was claimed just the prior month against South Africa, firmly establishing him as one of the rising stars of international cricket.
Zimbabwe struggled to find their footing from the onset. Their innings faced early setbacks with openers Joylord Gumbie and Ben Curran failing to form any solid defenses. While Sean Williams managed to provide some resistance with 60 runs, no other batsman crossed double digits against Afghanistan’s relentless bowling attack. Ghazanfar not only initiated the dismissal of Gumbie with precision but also trapped Curran leg before wicket (LBW), showcasing his skill at breaking partnerships right from the start.
Supporting Ghazanfar was the seasoned Rashid Khan, who took 3 wickets for 38 runs. The pair executed their strategy effectively, making it increasingly difficult for Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order to establish any momentum. With Zimbabwe demoralized by the bowlers, they succumbed quickly, leading to their earlier exit.
When it came to chasing the paltry target of 128 runs, Afghanistan’s chase was powered by Sediqullah Atal, who impressively scored 52 runs off just 50 balls. Coupled with steady innings from Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan made light work of the target, reaching it comfortably with 23.1 overs to spare.
The historic nature of Ghazanfar's achievement cannot be overstated. At 18 years of age, he has now become the youngest bowler to claim multiple five-wicket hauls before turning 19—a record shared with cricket legends Waqar Younis and Rashid Khan. This milestone firmly places him within a distinguished group, as only seven players have attained this exceptional feat before reaching their nineteenth birthday.
For the Mumbai Indians, who secured Ghazanfar’s talents for INR 4.8 crore during the IPL auction, his recent successes have only solidified their investment. Ghazanfar had previously been with the Kolkata Knight Riders as part of their IPL-winning 2024 squad, though he did not appear for the team during the season. His new role with Mumbai Indians is already generating excitement among fans, who see him as potential game-changer for the franchise.
Reflecting on his role models, Ghazanfar stated, “My favourite cricketer is Ravichandran Ashwin. He’s a world-class cricketer and a legend,” showcasing his affinity for techniques and bowling variations, which have made him such an asset on the field.
With only 11 ODIs under his belt, Ghazanfar has already taken 21 wickets at an impressive average of 13.57. His remarkable control and performance metrics portray him as not just another player on the pitch but as Afghanistan’s next-gen bowling sensation. His exceptional performances encompass the potential and hope of the team as they head toward future international challenges.
All told, Afghanistan’s triumph against Zimbabwe accentuates the growing stature of its cricket team on the world stage. Young talents like Allah Ghazanfar offer not just promise for the immediate future but also are paving the way for Afghanistan's cricketing legacy on the global front.
