Didn't bowl good balls in first spell, wanted to come back stronger: Ghazanfar

Allah Ghazanfar, the 18-year old Afghanistan offspinner, felt he did not bowl well in his first spell despite picking up the wicket of Tanzid Tamim. The 6'2" tall spinner, was keen to come back stronger in his second spell and he in turn wreaked havoc to lead Afghanistan to a 92-run victory in the first ODI against Bangladesh.

Ghazanfar had figures of 4-1-21-1 when he was brought back into the attack in the 31st over. After just 2.3 more overs, he ended up with a remarkable 6 for 26 as Bangladesh, from 132/3, ended up being bowled out for 143.

"When I came to bowl, in first part of my spell my rhythm was good, I got a wicket. But didn't bowl good deliveries after that wicket, then I thought I have to come back stronger in the second part of my spell and I did that," Ghazanfar said after the game. "I made an effort and won the match for my team.

"It is an every bowler's wish to take 5 or 6 wickets for his team in a match and it was my wish as well which was fulfilled today," he said, before crediting Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi for supporting him. "Rashid and Nabi's roles are so crucial for my bowling, they always give me handy advice during the match and that gives good result," he said.

Ghazanfar, who began his journey as a pace bowler before former Afghan skipper Dawlat Ahmadzai turned him into a mystery spinner, had already made his mark after bowling brilliantly in the last edition of Under-19 World Cup. Ghazanfar is known as the new Mujeeb-ur-Rahman in Afghanistan circuit after showing his potential in the ninth edition of Shpageeza T20 Cricket League where he ended up being the highest wicket taker and bowler of the competition.

The right-arm off-spinner also showed his talent during the ODI series against South Africa in September and also played a crucial part in Afghanistan clinching the Emerging Teams Asia Cup a few days ago.

Speaking about the young offspinner, Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi said: "He is a special talent and has a good future for Afghanistan. He bowled well in the first spell, but he bowled that no-ball and I asked him why did he bowl a no-ball (laughs). I am very happy with the options we have on the bench."

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain admitted that Ghazanfar was too hot to handle. "Afghanistan always have mystery spinners and he bowled really well," said Najmul, who made 47 runs before top-edging a sweep against Mohammad Nabi that brought Afghanistan back in the game after visitors were cruising ay one stage in the chase of 236.