'Makings of being one of those Hardik Pandyas...' - Urooj Mumtaz lauds star Afghanistan all-rounder for terrific performance in Champions Trophy 2025

Former Pakistan women's team captain Urooj Mumtaz heaped praises on Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai after his match-winning performance in the last game against England in the Champions Trophy 2025. Against a tough team like England, Omarzai scored 41 runs in the first innings and claimed a fifer in the second. It was an excellent display of talent from the player. Hence, Mumtaz compared him to Hardik Pandya and Azhar Mahmood while having a chat on ESPNCricinfo Match Day.

"Omarzai is one who just flies under the radar. He is so effective with both bat and ball. He's a very smart cricketer. I think he bowls the harder overs, the tougher overs, and what he did so well was obviously change the pace and continue to hammer down that length, and length on such placid flat tracks is the key. I think he's got the makings of being one of those Hardik Pandyas or Azhar Mahmoods, the perfect utility allrounder for Afghanistan," said Mumtaz on ESPNCricinfo Match Day. 

Afghanistan have a good chance of qualifying for the semi-finals if they beat Australia in their next game. While the challenge looks too difficult, the players are in form and can pull off a miracle with their performance. 

Also Read:Azmatullah Omarzai's outstanding all-round performance helps Afghanistan knock out England of Champions Trophy 2025

He picked up Overton as well: Urooj Mumtaz

The former Pakistan cricketer Urooj Mumtaz mentioned that the wickets of Jos Buttler and Phil Salt were the more crucial ones and Omarzai managed to dismiss them. He did the most unexpected thing which helped Afghanistan win the game against England. Taking a fifer and scoring 41 runs is something that he will remember for a long time.  

"He picked up Salt, he picked up Buttler, and he picked up Overton as well. All four of those wickets were crucial, obviously in the end finished with a five-for, [with Adil] Rahid['s wicket] as well. He broke the game open not once but on three different occasions. I thought Root, Buttler and Overton, given the position of the game, was quite spectacular," said Mumtaz.