Afghanistan’s teenage leg spinner Noor Ahmad made a sensational World Cup debut, taking two wickets to put the brakes on Pakistan’s progress in their group game in Chennai on Monday.
The 18-year-old was brought into the team in place of fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi, as Afghanistan opted to play four spinners in the must-win game.
Pakistan got off to a solid start, with openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq putting on 56 runs for the first wicket. However, Azmatullah Omarzai broke the partnership in the 11th over, dismissing Imam for 17.
Ahmad, who made headlines as a 16-year-old when he was selected to play in the Big Bash League for Melbourne Renegades, struck his first blow in the 23rd over, trapping Shafique for 58.
In his subsequent over, he caught sweeping to remove Pakistan’s World Cup leading scorer, Muhammad Rizwan, leaving his team down 120-3.
Ahmad’s two wickets were crucial for Afghanistan, as they helped to slow down Pakistan’s run rate and put them under pressure. Pakistan eventually finished on 284-7, but Afghanistan’s spinners made sure that they didn’t get away with a big score.
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Ahmad’s performance was a major boost for Afghanistan, who had lost their previous two games in the World Cup. They will now be hoping that he can continue to play a key role in their remaining matches, as they look to qualify for the knockout stages.
Ahmad’s performance was particularly impressive considering his age and lack of experience at the international level. He showed great composure and skill, and his wickets were crucial in helping Afghanistan to restrict Pakistan’s total.
Ahmad’s selection in the Afghanistan team is a testament to his talent and potential. He is one of the most promising young spinners in the world, and his World Cup debut suggests that he has a bright future ahead of him.
Noor Ahmad’s sensational World Cup debut was one of the highlights of the tournament so far. The 18-year-old leg spinner showed great composure and skill to take two wickets and help Afghanistan to restrict Pakistan’s total.
Ahmad’s performance is a reminder that there is a lot of young talent coming through in the world of cricket. He is one of the most promising young spinners in the world, and his World Cup debut suggests that he has a bright future ahead of him.
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