Azmatullah Omarzai was the other batsman who contributed significantly to the first innings. He and Zadran formed a vital combination in which Omarzai added 41 runs off of just 31 deliveries. In a do-or-die situation later in the game, Omarzai bowled the final over that put the Afghans over the finish line and took five wickets in the second innings.
When England defeated Afghanistan by 8 runs in a thrilling last over in Match 8 of the Champions Trophy 2025, Ibrahim Zadran was the highlight of the show. Despite losing their three wickets during the powerplay, the Afghans managed to reach 325/7 in 50 overs because to Zadran’s 177-run performance.
Despite Zadran’s flawless knock, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif claimed that Azmatullah Omarzai was the real Player of the Match. Given his all-around performances, Kaif thinks Omarzai’s runs and five wickets with the ball were more significant than Zadran’s blitz with the bat.
Azmatullah Omarzai is my Man of the Match.
On a pitch that offered nothing to the fast bowlers, he claimed five wickets. He ultimately proved to be the difference as England came very close to winning the match. For the team, Omarzai also scored runs. During the post-match broadcast on Sports18, Mohammad Kaif stated that five wickets were more significant than Zadran’s runs.
Kaif is in agreement with Wahab Riaz.
Wahab Riaz, a panelist on the post-match show, concurred with Kaif’s assertion in the meantime. In the final over, Omarzai drew the final blood by dismissing Adil Rashid after taking the crucial wickets of Joe Root, Jos Buttler, and Phil Salt, who were the core of England’s batting lineup, according to the former Pakistani cricket player. The former pacer claimed that Omarzai’s performance was extraordinary and that the Lahore surface had virtually little to give pacers.
“Kaif Bhai is right. Azmatullah Omarzai was an exceptional batsman, and the team relied heavily on his partnership with Ibrahim Zadran. Adil Rashid, Jamie Overton, Joe Root, Jos Buttler, and Phil Salt were all fired by him. On his Lahore pitch, everyone is hitting 100 runs, but it is uncommon for a bowler to take five wickets. The ball was not swinging at all, so there was nothing for the quick bowlers over here,” he remarked.
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