Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, the Gujarat Titans (GT) have announced their list of retained players, emphasizing the importance of preserving their core lineup. The Titans, two-time IPL champions, finished 8th last season, and by strategically retaining five key players, they aim to rebuild and contend for the title once more. Among their primary retentions are Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan, players seen as pivotal to their future succes?s.

However, among the players released is Afghanistan’s all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai. Known for his versatility on the international stage, Omarzai has shown glimpses of his potential in the IPL, contributing both with bat and ball. His ability to adapt and impact games with his skillset makes him a notable player in the T20 format, and though released, he could still be on Gujarat’s radar during the auction. Omarzai’s development as a reliable all-rounder could attract interest from other franchises, as he brings both bowling depth and batting stability, attributes highly valued in the IPL.

Azmatullah Omarzai’s performance in IPL 2024

Omarzai, the Afghan all-rounder, delivered several notable performances for Gujarat in the IPL 2024 sea??son, showcasing his potential as a high-impact player. Despite limited opportunities, Omarzai’s all-round contributions with both bat and ball demonstrated glimpses of his capabi??lity.

In the seven matches he played, Omarzai scored 42 runs with a highest score of 17, maintaining an average of 10.50. His batting strike rate of 127.27 highlighted his ability to score quickly, especially in the limited overs he faced. ??Although he did not secure any half-centuries, his two fours and two sixes hinted at his striking prowess, making him a valuable lower-order hitter.

On the bowling front, Omarzai bowled a total of 126 deliveries, conceding 186 runs while taking four wickets. His best bowling figures were 2/27, and he finished the season with a bowling average of 46.50. Despite an economy rate of 8.86, which shows room for improvement in containing runs, his bowling strike rate of 31.50 suggests that he can pick up crucial wickets at intervals. His presence added depth and flexibility to the team, and though he did not achieve any four or five-wicket hauls, his all-round abilities provided balance to Gujarat’s campaign.

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3 teams that can target Azmatullah Omarzai in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction

1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB have often ??struggled to find a consistent?? all-rounder who can provide balance in both the batting and bowling departments. Omarzai’s ability to open the bowling and contribute crucial runs in the lower order could fill this gap. Given their dependence on top-heavy batting, a stable lower-order contributor like Omarzai could be vital, especially in tight chases and middle-over control.

2. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

PBKS, known for their aggressive approach, could benefit from a utility player like Omarzai who can strike big with the bat and contain runs. Omarzai’s international experience and versatility add a fresh dimension to the team, allowing them to address both pace and depth issues. Additionally, his skill with the new b?all would offer support to the primary bowlers, bringing much-needed balance to PBKS.

3. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

LSG have shown an affinity for quality all-rounders, and Omarzai’s dynamic skill set aligns well with their team strategy. With the capacity to bowl economical overs and add resilience in ??the batting lineup, he fits LSG’s model of fle?xibility and adaptability. His performance under pressure and ability to play a finishing role could be crucial in helping LSG strengthen their lower order.

Gujarat Titans can use RTM on Omarzai

The Gujarat, aiming to?? retain flexibility and depth, may consider using their Right to Match (RTM) card for Azmatullah Omarzai. As a high-utility player, Omarzai offers a rare combination of batting stability and bowling versatility, opening options for both pace and batting depth. His presence cou?ld enhance GT’s game plan, allowing them to reinforce their core lineup while addressing gaps in middle-order resilience and new-ball efficiency.

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In the deciding third ODI of the series held at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan triumphed over Bangladesh by five wickets to clinch the series 2-1. Azmatullah Omarzai starred with both bat and ball, earning the Player of the Match title for his all-round performance, as Afghanistan chased down Bangladesh’s total of 244 with 10 balls to spare.

Bangladesh posts a competitive total 

After winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first and put up a competitive total of 244/8 in 50 overs. Their innings was anchored by Mehidy Hasan Miraz (66 off 119 balls) and Mahmudullah (98 off 98 balls), who played a crucial role in reviving the Bangladesh innings after a shaky start. Mahmudullah’s innings, studded with seven fours and three sixes, brought much-needed momentum, while Mehidy provided a steady presence at the crease. Other batters struggled to make significant contributions.

Afghanistan’s bowlers kept things in check, with Omarzai registering figures of 4/37 in his seven overs. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi also contributed with ball, each taking a wicket.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai shine in Afghanistan’s successful chase

In response, Afghanistan’s chase was powered by a superb century from opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 101 off 120 deliveries, including five fours and seven sixes. Gurbaz held the innings together despite early dismissals from the top order, with Sediqullah Atal (14), Rahmat Shah (8), and Hashmatullah Shahidi (6) falling cheaply. At 83/4, Afghanistan were in a precarious position, but Gurbaz found able support from Omarzai, who delivered a crucial knock of 70 not out off 77 balls, hitting three fours and five sixes to turn the game in Afghanistan’s favour.

Maarega Maarega to Maar Diya! 🔥

Azmatullah Omarzai takes Afghanistan to the finish line! 👏#AFGvBANonFanCode pic.twitter.com/qAmMHcBdWk

— FanCode (@FanCode) November 11, 2024

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Azmatullah Omarzai finishes it off in a style.
Series victory and that roar made my night. Alhmdulilah#AFGvBAN pic.twitter.com/nfUrIWOnUn

— Wahida Afghan 🇦🇫 (@Kabuli_girl) November 11, 2024

Gulbadin Naib fell early for 1, but Nabi stepped up to finish the chase with an unbeaten ??34 off 27 balls, se??aling the win at 246/5 in 48.2 overs.

The Bangladesh bowlers fought hard, with Nahid Rana and Mustafizur Rahman each taking two wickets. However, the lack of w?ickets at regular in??tervals allowed Afghanistan to stay on course, and the economical spell from Nasum Ahmed (10 overs, 2 maidens, 24 runs) was not enough to contain their aggressive approach.

This victory handed Afghanistan the series win, marking a suc?cessful campaign with notable contributions from key players across all three matches.

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Already assured of a place in the Super 8 phase of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, the West Indies faced Afghanistan in their final group match at the Daren Sammy National ??Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia on Monday. The West Indies displayed sheer dominance, securing a massive ??104-run triumph over the Afghan team.

Nicholas Pooran’s explosive innings

Nicholas Pooran was the standout performer for the West Indies, delivering a spectacular display of power hitting. Pooran dismantled the Afghan bowling attack, scoring an impressive 98 runs before an unfortunate ru??n-out denied him a century. His innings ?included 6 boundaries and 8 towering sixes.

Breaking records

Pooran’s blitzkrieg helped him surpass Chris Gayle‘s West Indies record of 124 T20I sixes, taking his tally to 128. He now joins the elite company of top six-hitters in Men’s T20Is, trailing only Rohit Sharma (194), Martin Guptill (173), Jos Buttler (130), and Glenn Maxwell (129).

Azmatullah Omarzai’s expensive over

During the match, Afghan bowler Azmatullah Omarzai conceded 36 runs in one over, equaling an undesirable record in T20 World Cup history. Notably, during the 2007 T20 World Cup, England’s Stuart Broad gave away 36 runs when Yuvraj Singh hit six consecutive sixes in an over Pooran, mean??while, scored 26 of those 36 runs (two fours and three sixes), with the rest coming from extras.

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Breakdown of the over:

• 3.1: Azmatullah to Pooran, SIX. Full delivery outside off, Pooran edged it over third man for a maximum.
• 3.2: Azmatullah to Pooran, no ball, FOUR. Short ball outside off, Pooran pulled it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
• 3.3: Azmatullah to Pooran, 5 wides. Short ball took off, went past Pooran’s attempted pull and beat the keeper to the fence.
• 3.4: Azmatullah to Pooran, FOUR. Full with width, Pooran lifted it over point for another four.
• 3.5: Azmatullah to Pooran, SIX. Full on the pads, Pooran cleared his front leg and hit it over cow corner for an 89m six.
• 3.6: Azmatullah to Pooran, SIX. Full outside off, Pooran launched it over long-off for a flat six.

Here is the video:

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