KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghanistan, long celebrated for producing a remarkable lineage of spin bowlers, has unveiled its latest prodigy: 18-year-old Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar. His recent heroics on the cricket field have positioned him as a promising figure in the sport, captivating fans and experts alike.
Ghazanfar’s performance in the first ODI against Bangladesh in Sharjah was nothing short of spectacular. Delivering a decisive spell, he claimed six wickets for 26 runs in 6.3 overs, steering Afghanistan to a resounding 92-run victory. The match, once leaning in Bangladesh’s favor, was dramatically reversed by Ghazanfar’s bowling blitz.
A game-changing spell
At 120 for 2, Bangladesh appeared on course while chasing a target of 236. Enter Ghazanfar. In a stunning display, he took three wickets in a single over, upending the contest and leading to a dramatic collapse. The visiting team crumbled from 132 for 3 to being bowled out for just 143, with Ghazanfar’s spell setting a new benchmark for an Afghanistan-Bangladesh ODI, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan’s 5 for 29 in Southampton in 2019.
The journey of a young prodigy
The path to prominence for Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar is as unique as his spin technique. Surprisingly, his cricketing journey did not begin with spin; he started as a fast bowler. It was Dawlat Ahmadzai, a former captain of Afghanistan, who recognized his potential as a mystery spinner. Ghazanfar’s career pivot soon paid dividends.
His breakout came during the 2024 U-19 World Cup, where he took eight wickets in four matches, catching the attention of selectors and paving the way for his ODI debut against Ireland at just 16 years old.
Making an impact under pressure
Ghazanfar has already shown poise in high-stakes situations. In the final of the Emerging Asia Cup, his two key wickets earned him the Player of the Match accolade, helping Afghanistan secure their first title against Sri Lanka A. This year, he joined the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League as a replacement for Mujeeb Ur Rahman. While he did not make an appearance, the experience of being part of such a high-profile league was invaluable.
Integral to Afghanistan’s rise
With six ODIs under his belt and ten wickets taken, Ghazanfar has solidified his position as more than just a fleeting talent. His contributions were crucial in Afghanistan’s historic series victory over South Africa, where his disciplined bowling kept batsmen in check, allowing more attacking bowlers like Rashid Khan to capitalize.
Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan’s captain, expressed confidence in the young spinner, humorously noting Ghazanfar’s occasional no-ball. “He is a special talent and has a good future for Afghanistan. I am very happy with the options we have on the bench,” Shahidi remarked.
What lies ahead?
As Ghazanfar continues to develop, the cricketing world watches with anticipation. Afghanistan’s reputation for nurturing exceptional spinners suggests that his journey is just beginning. His unique skill set promises to add depth to an already formidable spin lineup.
For now, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to the excitement and intrigue that Ghazanfar brings with his brand of mystery spin—an art that remains at the heart of Afghanistan’s cricketing identity.
