Azmatullah Omarzai of Afghanistan is currently one of the top all-rounders in world cricket. He showcased his skills in the third and final ODI against Bangladesh in Sharjah on November 11.
Bangladesh, batting first, were limited to a modest total of 244-8 in their 50 overs, with Omarzai playing a key role by taking 4 wickets for 37 runs. He dismissed Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Soumya Sarkar, and Nasum Ahmed.
In Afghanistan’s chase, Omarzai scored an unbeaten 70 off 77 balls, guiding his team to a five-wicket victory. Coming in at 84-3, when his side was in a tough spot, he anchored the innings to lead them to the target.
Omarzai has rapidly emerged as one of the most in-demand players in franchise leagues worldwide. After being released by Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could be interested in acquiring him. Here are the three reasons why CSK should target Omarzai in the upcoming auction:
#3 He is a proven game-changer
The primary reason CSK should target Omarzai is his proven ability to win matches in this format. He has long been one of Afghanistan’s most formidable all-rounders and is highly respected in the cricketing world.
While his T20 strike rate of 134 may not place him among the elite, it still provides him with enough firepower to earn a spot in top franchise teams like CSK.
Omarzai has taken 101 wickets in 112 T20 matches, making him a highly appealing prospect for the CSK management. Although his economy rate is slightly high at 8.28, his impressive bowling average of 27 stands out.
#2 He is a strong hitter of spin bowling
Another key reason CSK should pursue Omarzai is his exceptional ability to tackle spin bowling. This skill is particularly valuable on the turning, dusty pitches of Chepauk, and if he earns the trust of the team management, he could make a significant impact.
Omarzai typically bats in the lower middle order, where he is often required to accelerate quickly. His ability to play spin effectively will be especially useful in Chennai, allowing him to fully unleash his potential. With his style of play, Omarzai could become one of the most popular cricketers in Chennai.
#1 He has a wide range of variations in his arsenal
Omarzai possesses a wide range of variations with the ball, which could prove highly beneficial in the IPL if CSK chooses to sign him. As mentioned, the pitches at Chepauk are typically dusty, slow, and conducive to sharp turn.
The 24-year-old has a variety of slower deliveries and cutters in his repertoire, making him a challenging bowler for batsmen. Any bowler capable of executing such variations is considered a significant threat in Chennai.
Omarzai is effective both with the new ball and as it ages. He is known for using his finger roll to deceive batsmen who try to target him, often getting them to play aerial shots that are easily caught in the deep.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.