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Afghan Pacer Snatches 6 Wickets Against India
7 Jun
Summary
- Young pacer Mohammad Saleem Safi reached 145 kph, impressing his coach.
- Safi took six wickets for 140 runs against India, his best figures.
- Afghanistan's cricket structure is increasingly fostering fast bowlers.
A lanky fast bowler from Baghlan province, Mohammad Saleem Safi, has impressed observers with his genuine pace, touching 145 kph and troubling seasoned batters. His coach, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, noted Safi's exceptional performance, securing six wickets for 140 runs in a recent Test against India, his career-best.
Safi's journey showcases a significant shift in Afghanistan's cricket landscape, moving beyond its reputation for spinners. The country's domestic structure and infrastructure are actively fostering fast bowling talent through initiatives like annual talent hunts and structured pathways for U-19 and A-team players.
Naved-ul-Hasan, who also coaches at Afghanistan's high-performance centre, aims to build strong teams across all formats, emphasizing the development of quality fast bowlers for Test cricket. This includes identifying and nurturing players like Safi and Ziaur Rahman Sharifi.
Despite challenges such as financial difficulties that have deterred some cricketers, Safi's dedication has paid off. His success on a flat Mullanpur wicket against India is a testament to his hard work and a proud moment for Afghanistan's cricket development programs.
