Seventeen-year-old Afghanistan spinner Abuzar Safi starred with a five-wicket haul on his first-class debut at the 2025 Ahmad Shah Abdali 4-day tournament.
In the fourth round of fixtures for the 2025 season, Pamir Legends are taking on Maiwand Champions in Amanullah. Safi, playing for Pamir Legends, announced his arrival with a five-wicket haul on his first-class debut.
Batting first, Pamir were skittled out for 122, following Zia-ur-Rehman’s 4-30. That was the second impactful performance for the Afghanistan Test spinner within a week, having taken twin five-wicket hauls in a draw against Hindukush Strikers.
Abuzar Safi keeps Pamir Legends in the game
In response to the meagre first-innings total, 17-year-old Safi rose to the occasion. After Maiwand opener Haroon Khan was dismissed for seven, Safi first struck in the 20th over, knocking wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq’s stumps for 32. Then he dismissed the opposition captain, Yamin Ahmadzai, for 27 to claim his second wicket. Safi’s third and fourth victims were Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai (seven) and Masood Gurbaz (101). He reached the landmark, snaring Zia-ur-Rehman for three with Maiwand slipping to 200-8. They were eventually bowled out for 213 with Safi taking 5-59 in 15 overs, including four maidens.
Match 7, Maiwand Champions vs Pamir Legends
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Safi’s first-class debut came on the back of an impressive outing in the 2025 Merwais Nika Regional 3-Day Trophy. Playing for Amo Region, he took 13 wickets, the joint-third highest in the competition, at an average of 26.69. His best figures of 6-113 came in a drawn match against Mis-e-Ainak Region.
Pamir bounced back strongly, wiping out the first-innings deficit thanks to a dominant 221-run opening partnership, with Yousuf Shah making 139 and Abdul Malik contributing 101. They were 270-2 at the time of writing, leading by 179 runs.
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