This article highlights the impressive five-wicket hauls by Afghanistan’s pacers in ODIs, particularly focusing on Azmatullah Omarzai’s recent performance against England. Gulbadin Naib and Hamid Hassan also feature for their remarkable contributions in previous matches, showcasing the rapid development of cricket talent in Afghanistan during international competition.
Afghanistan made headlines in cricket by securing an eight-run victory over England during their inaugural ICC Champions Trophy match. This win was notably supported by Ibrahim Zadran, who scored an impressive 177 runs, alongside Azmatullah Omarzai’s remarkable bowling performance, where he achieved a five-wicket haul with figures of 5/58. Consequently, Omarzai became the third Afghan pacer in history to accomplish this feat in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
1. Gulbadin Naib – 6/43 vs. Ireland (Belfast, 2019): Gulbadin Naib showcased an extraordinary bowling performance against Ireland in 2019, securing figures of 6/43. After setting a target of 306 runs, Naib initiated his attack by dismissing Paul Stirling for 50 runs, followed by the dismissals of key players like Andy Balbirnie and Tim Murtagh. His efforts helped Afghanistan secure a decisive 126-run victory, as Ireland collapsed to 179 runs.
2. Hamid Hassan – 5/45 vs. UAE (Dubai, 2014): Hamid Hassan became the first Afghan fast bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul in ODIs, doing so in 2014 against the UAE. His figures of 5/45 restricted the UAE team to a total of 258 runs. Despite his impressive bowling, Afghanistan faced a setback as they were bowled out for 228, leading to a loss in that match.
3. Azmatullah Omarzai – 5/58 vs. England (Lahore, 2025): In a stunning performance, Azmatullah Omarzai played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s recent victory against England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. His five-wicket haul came at a crucial juncture, with England being bowled out for 317 while chasing 326 runs. Omarzai’s performance marked a new high for Afghanistan in ICC ODI tournaments with the best figures of 5/58, including key dismissals such as centurion Joe Root and Jos Buttler.
Afghanistan’s cricketing journey showcases remarkable achievements, particularly through the achievements of its pacers in ODIs. Notable performances include Gulbadin Naib’s 6/43 against Ireland, Hamid Hassan’s 5/45 against UAE, and Azmatullah Omarzai’s recent 5/58 against England. These milestones highlight the developing talent within Afghanistan’s cricketing infrastructure and the potential for future success on global stages.
Original Source: www.newsbytesapp.com
