Azmatullah Omarzai was born on 24 March 2000 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. A right‑handed batsman and right‑arm medium‑pace bowler, he broke into the senior national team in January 2021 and featured in Afghanistan’s squad at the 2023 Cricket World Cup. He has also played in the Indian Premier League for Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans, and was honoured as the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2024, reflecting his growing stature in world cricket.
In the IPL Omarzai has featured in 20 matches, scoring 151 runs at an average of 15.1 with a strike‑rate of 149.5 and a highest score of 38, while also claiming 15 wickets at an average of 37.87, best figures of 2/27. His recent international outings include three ODIs where he made 8 runs and took three wickets (best 2/27), and three T20Is where he amassed 141 runs – highlighted by a 116‑run knock – and claimed four wickets (best 2/39).
Azmatullah Omarzai: quick facts
- Born: 24 March 2000, Nangarhar Province
- Team: Afghanistan
Azmatullah Omarzai career statistics
Batting
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest | Average | Strike rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL | 20 | 11 | 151 | 38 | 15.10 | 149.50 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL | 20 | 15 | 2/27 | 37.87 | 9.63 |
Figures as of 10 November 2026. Figures from Cricsheet (cricsheet.org), Open Data Commons Attribution licence.
Digital marketing that shows up in revenueAzmatullah Omarzai’s early life
Born in the eastern province of Nangarhar, Omarzai grew up in the Nurgal District of Kunar. He first encountered cricket at the age of fourteen, a relatively late start that quickly turned into a passion as he began to play regularly in local settings.
His early enthusiasm for the game saw him progress through school‑level competitions, where his natural ability with both bat and ball began to attract attention from regional selectors, setting the foundation for his subsequent domestic career.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s domestic career
The Indian Premier League added another dimension to his career. Omarzai’s first IPL appearance came against Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on 24 March 2024, representing Punjab Kings. Over two seasons he has played 20 matches for Punjab Kings and later Gujarat Titans, accumulating 151 runs and 15 wickets, with a best bowling figure of 2/27.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s international career
Omarzai earned his ODI cap on 21 January 2021, opening the innings against Ireland in Dublin. He was subsequently selected for Afghanistan’s squad at the 2023 Cricket World Cup, gaining valuable experience on the sport’s biggest stage. In the limited‑overs arena he has featured in three ODIs, scoring eight runs and taking three wickets, with best figures of 2/27.
He debuted in T20Is on 3 March 2022 versus Bangladesh, and his role grew steadily. In October 2026, during the second T20I against Zimbabwe, he struck his maiden T20I century – 116 runs from 44 balls – rescuing Afghanistan from 5/4 to a total of 221/7. Alongside Ijaz Ahmadzai he forged a 142‑run partnership for the sixth wicket, a record for that wicket in T20Is, and was named player of the match.
His performances were recognised globally when he received the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award in 2024. He was later named in Afghanistan’s squads for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, confirming his status as a key member of the national side.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s franchise and league career
In the IPL Omarzai has turned out for Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans, featuring in 20 matches. He has scored 151 runs in 11 innings at an average of 15.1, with a strike‑rate of 149.5 and a top score of 38. With the ball he has taken 15 wickets at an average of 37.87, delivering an economy of 9.63 and recording best figures of 2/27, while also contributing a catch in the field.
His highest IPL innings, 38 runs, came against Mumbai Indians at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala on 14 May 2026. This knock, combined with his consistent wicket‑taking, highlights his development as a genuine all‑rounder in one of the world’s most competitive T20 leagues.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s records and achievements
Omarzai’s accolades include the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award in 2024 and the joint player‑of‑the‑tournament award in the 2020 Shpageeza Cricket League. In the IPL his best bowling figures stand at 2/27 and his highest score is 38, both achieved against Mumbai Indians. These performances reflect his growing influence in both domestic and franchise cricket.
Internationally, his 116‑run T20I century against Zimbabwe in October 2026 remains his highest score in the format, and the 142‑run partnership for the sixth wicket set a new record for that wicket in T20Is. His best ODI bowling figures of 2/27 and his contributions with the bat and ball across formats underline his status as a valuable all‑rounder for Afghanistan.
Azmatullah Omarzai in internationals, last 12 months
- ODI: 3 matches, 8 runs in 1 innings (highest 8), 3 wickets (best 2/27)
- T20I: 3 matches, 141 runs in 3 innings (highest 116), 4 wickets (best 2/39)
Azmatullah Omarzai: frequently asked questions
When was Azmatullah Omarzai born?
Azmatullah Omarzai was born on 24 March 2000 in Nangarhar Province.
Where is Azmatullah Omarzai from?
Azmatullah Omarzai was born in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.
Which teams has Azmatullah Omarzai played for?
Azmatullah Omarzai plays international cricket for Afghanistan.
Which IPL team does Azmatullah Omarzai play for?
Azmatullah Omarzai’s IPL teams include Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans.
What is Azmatullah Omarzai’s highest score?
Azmatullah Omarzai’s highest score is 38 in the IPL.
How many wickets has Azmatullah Omarzai taken?
Azmatullah Omarzai has taken 15 wickets in the IPL.
What are Azmatullah Omarzai’s best bowling figures?
Azmatullah Omarzai’s best bowling figures are 2/27 in the IPL.
What are Azmatullah Omarzai’s international stats in the last 12 months?
From October 2026 to November 2026, Azmatullah Omarzai played ODI: 3 matches, 8 runs in 1 innings (highest 8), 3 wickets (best 2/27); T20I: 3 matches, 141 runs in 3 innings (highest 116), 4 wickets (best 2/39).
