Allah Ghazanfar, Afghanistan’s young spin sensation, delivered a sensational performance in the 3rd ODI against Zimbabwe on 21st December 2024. The 18-year-old showcased his talent with a remarkable 5-wicket haul, playing a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s dominant victory. His exceptional skills have not only helped his national team but also made him one of the most talked-about young players heading into IPL 2025.
Match Highlights: Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, 3rd ODI
The match at Harare Sports Club witnessed Afghanistan bundling out Zimbabwe for a mere 127 runs in 30.1 overs, thanks to Ghazanfar’s brilliant spell.
Allah Ghazanfar’s Bowling Performance
- Overs: 10
- Maidens: 0
- Runs: 33
- Wickets: 5
- Economy: 3.30
Ghazanfar dismissed key Zimbabwean players, including opener Joylord Gumbie, Ben Curran, and wicketkeeper Tadiwanashe Marumani, breaking the backbone of their batting lineup.
Zimbabwe’s Struggle with the Bat
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Dismissal | Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joylord Gumbie | 3 | 14 | c B Sami b AM Ghazanfar | Allah Ghazanfar |
| Ben Curran | 12 | 31 | lbw b AM Ghazanfar | Allah Ghazanfar |
| Sean Williams | 60 | 61 | c M Nabi b R Khan | Rashid Khan |
| Wellington Masakadza | 0 | 1 | b AM Ghazanfar | Allah Ghazanfar |
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Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Ghazanfar and Rashid Khan, tore through Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.
Afghanistan’s Comfortable Chase
Afghanistan comfortably chased down the target, reaching 73/0 in 16.4 overs, with openers Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik staying unbeaten.
Afghanistan Batting Highlights
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sediqullah Atal | 39 | 40 | 4 | 1 | 97.50 |
| Abdul Malik | 27 | 60 | 4 | 0 | 45.00 |
IPL 2025: A Bright Future for Ghazanfar
Allah Ghazanfar’s stellar performances have also earned him a INR 4.8 crore contract with Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 auction. Known for his ability to spin the ball both ways, Ghazanfar is expected to play a crucial role in Mumbai’s campaign this season.
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Takeaways from Ghazanfar’s Performance
- Match-Winning Spell: Ghazanfar’s 5-wicket haul marked his second five-for in just 11 ODI matches.
- Consistency: He has now taken 21 wickets in his young ODI career.
- Versatility: His ability to deceive batsmen with his spin variations has drawn comparisons with Afghanistan’s legendary spinners.
Allah Ghazanfar continues to make headlines with his impressive performances. His five-wicket haul against Zimbabwe cements his position as a future star for Afghanistan and a valuable asset for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025. Fans around the world eagerly await to see this young talent shine on bigger stages.
