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Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai is set to rejoin the squad on May 7, ahead of their clash against Delhi Capitals (DC). Omarzai had left the squad after his mother passed away. He is set to miss PBKS’ next two more games.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Azmatullah Omarzai on the loss of his mother. The entire Punjab Kings family stands with him and his loved ones during this difficult time,” PBKS had posted on their social media on April 27.
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Omarzai won't be available for PBKS' match against Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 3 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. On May 6, PBKS will face an in-form Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Then, they will face DC at their other homeground, Dharamsala's Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.
Omarzai is yet to play a game this season. Marcus Stoinis has been playing the role so far and contributed with a blazing half-century in the previous game against Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Omarzai may get a game considering PBKS’ bowling troubles. In the game against RR, they replaced Xavier Bartlett with Lockie Ferguson but the Kiwi pacer ended up conceding 57 runs from four overs. Currently, Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen’s form has not been impressive either.
Who can Omarzai replace in the side?
Omarzai can replace Ferguson if he doesn’t perform in the next two games. Their other overseas pace-bowling option is Ben Dwarshuis who is yet to get a game as well.
Omarzai can also bat as a floater. Nehal Wadhera is yet to play an impactful knock this season. If Omarzai replaces Ferguson, PBKS can include Vijaykumar Vyshak in the side as well to have more bowling options.
How Omarzai performed for PBKS in IPL 2025?
In the previous season, Omarzai played nine games for PBKS, taking eight wickets at an average of 34.87 and conceding runs at 10.33 runs per over. He wasn't impressive with the bat, scoring 57 runs from five innings at a strike rate of 139.02.
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