‘I'm anxious to watch IPL auction when his name comes up’ - Jonathan Trott heaps praise on Azmatullah Omarzai following good form

Afghanistan’s journey at the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 has ended. The side lost their recent clash against South Africa and finished with eight points in nine games, missing out on the top four and getting eliminated from the tournament.

It is worth noting that one of the most important players for Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup 2023 was Azmatullah Omarzai. The 23-year-old showcased his class against the Proteas in the side’s recent clash, as he scored 97* runs in 107 deliveries. Scoring 353 runs in nine matches, Omarzai was Afghanistan's second-highest run-getter in the tournament.

Seeing his masterful knock, Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott came forward and heaped massive praise on Omarzai. Trott opined that he cannot wait for Omarzai’s name to be called up in the IPL 2024 auction as well. 

“Well, there's plenty of raw talent, but it's the case with a guy like Azmat, very ambitious but also works incredibly hard, good work ethic. And as a coach, when that's already there, you know, that makes the job a lot easier,” Trott said in the post-match press conference

“For Azmat, I've obviously seen him for a year and three months, four months, and I've always been amazed at how he can time the ball. We saw the other night, second, third ball, he hit Mitchell Starc over his head, or over mid-off even, for six. Same thing today, over mid-off. And very rarely do you see players who are able to time the ball and the sound the ball makes when it comes off his bat. Very special talent and I think hopefully will only develop and become a fantastic player for Afghanistan. I'm anxious to watch the IPL auction when his name comes up,” he added.

Talking of the game, after Omarzai’s brilliant knock, Afghanistan managed to post 244 runs on the board in the first innings against South Africa; however, aiming to defend the target, the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side fell short. Rassie van der Dussen’s brilliant knock helped the Proteas keep up their good form and defeat Afghanistan by five wickets.