Fazalhaq Farooqi Leads Afghanistan’s Bowling Charge in T20 World Cup
Fazalhaq Farooqi has shrugged off a two-month stint on the bench during the IPL to spearhead Afghanistan’s bowling attack in the early stages of the T20 World Cup 2024. The left-arm pacer’s combined figures across three matches stand at an impressive 12 wickets for 42 runs in 11.2 overs, making him the leading wicket-taker in the tournament so far.
Farooqi’s lethal swing bowling has proven to be a crucial factor in Afghanistan’s progression to the Super Eight round. Seven of his 12 wickets, including a match-winning two-wicket haul against Papua New Guinea on Tuesday, have been claimed during the powerplay – the most by any bowler in the first six overs. These early breakthroughs have set the tone for Afghanistan’s comfortable victories.
“For me, my mentality is simple,” he told reporters in Tarouba. “I was just thinking to improve my skill to do something different from the others… I was going to learn to bowl swing and that now for me is simple.”
The 22-year-old’s ability to move the ball both ways has left opposing batters in disarray. His two quick wickets against PNG showcased this skill, as both deliveries pitched on a good length in the off-stump channel but shaped differently – one shaping back to take the shoulder of the bat, while the other moved into the left-hander to kiss the inside edge. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s excellent diving catches behind the stumps punctuated these dismissals.
Farooqi credits his focus on skill development, even during his time on the bench in the IPL, as the key to his success. He has worked closely with Afghanistan’s bowling coach, Hamid Hassan, and also has a long-standing relationship with Dwayne Bravo, who is the team’s bowling consultant for this World Cup. Bravo’s guidance, especially on bowling at the death in pressure situations, has been invaluable for Farooqi.
Afghanistan’s Bowling Depth
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has hailed Farooqi’s impact, likening his influence with the ball to Gurbaz’s dominance at the top of the order.
“It’s very important to have someone like him,” Rashid said. “Someone like Fazal, who is coming in and attacking each and every ball, that allows us to have a strong base as a bowling unit.”
Head coach Jonathan Trott believes there is even more to come from the talented young bowler.
“I still think there’s even better bowling in him: he’s that talented,” Trott said.
As Afghanistan head into the Super Eight stage, where they will face formidable opponents like West Indies, India, and Australia, Farooqi’s continued success with the new ball will be crucial to their hopes of further progress in the tournament.
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