“Very proud moment to be here in the World Cup and beating the champions. It's a great achievement for the whole team, we worked hard for this day. We beat such a big team,” Mujeeb Ur Rahman would say after providing the fans what they had been long waiting for in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 - an upset.
The 22-year-old on Sunday finished with a scintillating spell of 10-1-51-3 during which he produced multiple difficult-to-decipher deliveries and outfoxed the likes of Joe Root, Harry Brook and Chris Woakes.
He made an early impression by bowling Joe Root for 11 runs with a superb leg-break delivery. He then returned to dismiss Chris Woakes (9) and Harry Brook (66) in quick succession, who were putting together a 22-run stand. Earlier, he had scored 28 runs off 16 balls to assist Afghanistan post a competitive total of 284 runs.
In the heart of Delhi, amidst the echoes of a resounding victory against the reigning champions, Afghanistan's young cricket sensation, Mujeeb, found something more profound than the thrill of triumph. It wasn't just about the 69-run win; it was about the emotions, raw and special, that swirled within him.
This victory held a unique significance for Mujeeb, for it came on the heels of adversity back home. Afghanistan entered the tournament shadowed by a recent tragedy – a devastating earthquake that shook the Herat province, claiming over a hundred lives on that fateful 7 October.
But for Mujeeb, cricket isn't just a game; it's a beacon of hope, a source of inspiration. Off the field, in the tapestry of his homeland, he weaves a narrative of selflessness that touches millions.
During a poignant moment, with the player of the match honor in his hands, Mujeeb didn't celebrate for personal glory. Instead, he turned his thoughts to his fellow countrymen, in a gesture both heartfelt and humbling, he dedicated his accolade to those whose lives were altered by the catastrophe.
Mujeeb, who was born in Khost, Afghanistan, would practice bowling off-breaks and carom balls with a tennis ball between his fingers when he was just a little over the age of 10 years. Later, he attended his uncle Noor Ali Zadran's cricket academy to refine his abilities further.
Known for his exceptional spin bowling skills, the young spinner gained significant attention in the cricket world. His ability to bowl the off-spin, leg-spin, and off-break deliveries with remarkable control and precision distinguished him from his contemporaries.
He made his List A debut for Band-e-Amir Region in the 2017 Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-day Tournament in April 2017. Later that year, in December, he made his international debut for Afghanistan in a T20I match against Ireland. His impressive performances in the limited-overs formats, coupled with his skills as a bowler, quickly established him as a rising star in Afghan cricket.
The 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL) also played a crucial role in elevating Mujeeb's profile. Representing Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in his debut season, taking 14 wickets in 11 matches, he showcased his prowess on the international stage, drawing admiration for his bowling variations and economical spells.
On Sunday, after stunning the defending champions, the young Afghan decoded his spell and revealed, “As a spinner, it's pretty hard to bowl in the powerplay, you have only two fielders outside. That's something I've been working on in the nets. Bowling with the new ball and trying to be as consistent as possible. That's something which has made me more effective. I am always trying to bowl stump to stump and keep it simple.”
“We knew that the dew was going to come and play a part in the latter part. That's why I was telling the captain to bowl me in the powerplay,” he said at the post-match conference.
As someone who was known as Rashid Khan's apprentice in the team, the prodigy has handled the hype around him really well. His performance last night added another feather to his decorated cap and as the young lad continues to evolve and make strides in the cricketing world, Afghanistan would bank on their mystery spinner to inspire a generation of young cricketers back at home and around the world.
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