Ghazanfar Reflects on Key Role in Afghanistan's Win Over Bangladesh
"In the first part of my spell, I got a wicket and my rhythm was good, but I didn’t bowl well after that," Ghazanfar explained after the match. "I knew I had to come back stronger in the second spell, and I did that, which helped me win the match for my team."
Afghanistan's 18-year-old off-spinner, Allah Ghazanfar, played a pivotal role in his team's commanding 92-run victory over Bangladesh in the first ODI. Despite taking a wicket early in his first spell, Ghazanfar felt he did not bowl his best and aimed to come back stronger in his second spell. His persistence paid off, as he ended with impressive figures of 6 for 26, dismantling Bangladesh's middle order and helping Afghanistan bowl out their opponents for 143, chasing a target of 236.
"In the first part of my spell, I got a wicket and my rhythm was good, but I didn’t bowl well after that," Ghazanfar explained after the match. "I knew I had to come back stronger in the second spell, and I did that, which helped me win the match for my team."
Ghazanfar, who started his cricketing career as a pace bowler before transitioning to off-spin under the guidance of former captain Dawlat Ahmadzai, credited his success to the advice and support from Afghanistan’s senior bowlers, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. "Rashid and Nabi’s roles are so crucial for my bowling, they always give me handy advice during the match, and that leads to good results," he said.
The young off-spinner, who has impressed in various formats, including the Under-19 World Cup and the Shpageeza T20 Cricket League, also had a standout performance against South Africa earlier this year. His impressive rise in the Afghan bowling ranks has led to comparisons with Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, another talented Afghan spinner.
Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, praised Ghazanfar’s potential, stating, "He is a special talent and has a bright future. He bowled well, although he bowled a no-ball in the first spell—when I asked him about it, he just laughed." Shahidi expressed confidence in the team's depth, saying, "I am very happy with the options we have on the bench."
Bangladesh's captain, Najmul Hossain, acknowledged Ghazanfar’s brilliance, saying, "Afghanistan always has mystery spinners, and he bowled really well. He was too hot to handle." Ghazanfar's performance helped Afghanistan recover from a tough phase in the match and maintain their hold on the game.
