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NEW DELHI: In a remarkable display of bowling prowess, Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi delivered an exceptional spell during his team’s encounter against Uganda in Georgetown, Guyana on Tuesday. Farooqi’s performance ranks as the fourth-best bowling figures in the history of the ICC T20 World Cup.
During the match, Farooqi claimed five wickets while conceding a mere nine runs in his allocated four overs, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 2.20.His achievement is surpassed by former Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis, who took six wickets for just eight runs against Zimbabwe in 2012, and Rangana Herath, another Sri Lankan star, who recorded five wickets for just three runs against New Zealand in 2014. Pakistan’s Umar Gul also joins this elite group with his spell of five wickets for just six runs against New Zealand in the 2009 edition of the tournament.
Farooqi’s fifer marks the sixth instance of an Afghanistan bowler claiming five wickets in a T20I match, with Rashid Khan achieving the feat twice. Rashid also holds the record for the best bowling figures for Afghanistan in T20Is, having taken five wickets for just three runs against Ireland in 2017.
In the match, Afghanistan, who were put in to field first by Uganda, witnessed a dominant batting performance from their openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (76 in 45 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes) and Ibrahim Zadran (70 in 46 balls, with nine fours and a six).
Their partnership of 154 runs propelled Afghanistan to a total of 183/5 in their 20 overs, despite a late resurgence from the Ugandan bowlers. Brian Masaba (2/21) and Cosmas Kyewuta (2/25) were the standout bowlers for Uganda.
In response, Uganda struggled to mount a significant challenge, with only Robinson Obuya (14) and Riazat Ali Shah (11) reaching double figures. The team was eventually bowled out for a paltry 58 runs in 16 overs.
Farooqi’s exceptional spell of 5/9, along with contributions from Naveen-ul-Haq (2/4) and Rashid Khan (2/12), sealed a comprehensive victory for Afghanistan.
Farooqi’s outstanding performance earned him the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ award..
(With ANI inputs)
