The driving forces behind Afghanistan’s surge in ODIs are Gurbaz and Omarzai. Gurbaz has shown improved composure in the 50-over format, scoring three centuries and two fifties with an average of 48.27 in 2024. Despite the absence of Zadran, Gurbaz stepped up with maturity, delivering crucial performances in series-deciding matches against South Africa and Bangladesh. Afghanistan’s batting coach, Andrew Puttick, praises Gurbaz’s talent and work ethic, noting his technical adjustments and improved shot selection. Omarzai has also shone in 2024, showcasing his all-round skills with 17 wickets at an average of 20.47 and 417 runs at an average of 52.12. His rise as a genuine all-rounder has been a major positive for Afghanistan, earning him the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award. Puttick praises Azmatullah Omarzai for bringing balance to the team and credits coach Jonathan Trott for giving him the opportunity to bat higher up the order, which he has excelled at. Omarzai’s bowling skills and ability to clear boundaries make him a valuable asset in the middle order. Despite not being initially considered a strong batter, Omarzai’s growth in the ODI format has been evident with match-winning innings and an ODI hundred to his name. With players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz also stepping up, Afghanistan has shown significant growth in the ODI format and is now a competitive team heading into the 2025 Champions Trophy. This progress could potentially make them a strong contender on the global stage. The content is from Cricbuzz.
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