Last Update on: November 11th, 2023 at 12:07 pm
Afghanistan head coach and Former England Cricketer Jonathan Trott has heaped praise on Afghnaistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai and said that he will be anxious to watch the upcoming IPL auction when the all-rounder’s name comes up. Omarzai emerged as a significant player in the World Cup 2023. The 23-year-old all-rounder has scored 353 runs in nine matches and is Afghanistan’s second-highest run-getter in the tournament. He also showed his prowess with the ball, taking seven wickets in nine games.
In Afghanistan’s against South Africa on Friday, Omarzai showcased his brilliance with the bat by scoring an unbeaten 97 runs, his overall highest score in ODIs. Afghanistan won the toss at the Narendra Modi International Stadium in Ahmedabad and chose to bat. Afghanistan collapsed to 116/6 after being 41/0, but Azmatullah Omarzai was steady at one end remaining calm and composed, and was the lone warrior to fight the war against South Africa bowlers.
He took calculated risks, juggling between clean hitting and brisk running between the wickets. He was quick to capitalize on a missed run-out opportunity by Andile Phehlukwayo and punished him with straight boundaries. Omarzai also showed no regard for star pacer Kagiso Rabada, punching him through the covers with ease, and he took advantage of Lungi Ngidi’s ankle struggle, clearing the stadium boundaries effortlessly, making Ngidi’s day horrible. Lungi Ngidi gave 69 runs in 8.3 overs at an economy rate of 8.1.
Despite Azmatullah Omarzai’s valiant effort, Afghanistan could only manage to post a total of 244 runs. South Africa, on the back of Rassie van der Dussen’s brilliant 76, managed to chase down the target with 2.3 overs to spare, resulting in a victory for them after suffering a defeat against India.
Jonathan Trott Is Anxious To See Azmatullah Omarzai’s Name In IPL Auctions
Jonathan Trott said that there’s a lot of raw talent in Omarzai and praised his work ethic in the post-match press conference. The Afghanistan head coach has said he has been mesmerized by the way the all-rounder can strike the ball with such cleanliness and is hopeful that he will develop into an amazing player for the side. Trott said that he is anxious to watch the IPL 2024 auction when Azmatullah Omarzai’s name comes up.
“Well, there’s plenty of raw talent, but it’s the case with a guy like Azmat, very ambitious but also works incredibly hard, a good work ethic. And as a coach, when that’s already there, you know, that makes the job a lot easier,” said Trott.
“For Azmat, I’ve obviously seen him for a year and three months, four months, and I’ve always been amazed at how he can time the ball. We saw the other night, second, third ball, he hit Mitchell Starc over his head, or over mid-off even, for six. The same thing today, over mid-off.”
“And very rarely do you see players who are able to time the ball and the sound the ball makes when it comes off his bat. Very special talent and I think hopefully will only develop and become a fantastic player for Afghanistan. I’m anxious to watch the IPL auction when his name comes up,” Trott concluded.
Afghanistan will remember their campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Prior to this World Cup, Afghanistan had only one win to their name in World Cup matches but this time around, they were competent enough to beat teams like England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. They almost beat five-time World Champions Australia in a thrilling contest.
