Afghanistan only played their first international cricket match in 2001, but the war-torn nation has quickly made great strides in the sport. According to the latest cricket news today, Afghanistan has discovered exceptional talent that has made the cricketing world take notice. Their batting line-up consists of some world-class batsmen who have stood out with their batting exploits. Let’s take a look at 10 of the best Afghan batsmen.
Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan is primarily known as the top-ranked T20I bowler in the world. But he is no mug with the bat either. Khan possesses the ability to clear the ropes with ease. His wide array of shots makes him a dangerous batsman to bowl to. Khan also holds the record for the fastest fifty in T20I history for Afghanistan. He smashed 19 runs in one over, reaching his half-century in just 12 balls against Ireland in 2017.
Khan provides explosive lower-order hitting that can change games rapidly. He scored an unbeaten 43 against Bangladesh at the 2016 Asia Cup to guide Afghanistan to a remarkable come-from-behind victory. Khan’s batting heroics have helped Afghanistan pull off several wins from tricky situations.
Mohammad Shahzad
The flamboyant Mohammad Shahzad is Afghanistan’s most experienced batsman in international cricket. He bowled spin to begin with but reinvented himself as an attacking opening batsman. Shahzad has scored bulk runs at the top, providing Afghanistan with solid starts regularly.
In 2016, Shahzad smashed 118 against Zimbabwe, registering Afghanistan’s maiden ODI century. He followed this feat in the Asia Cup in 2018 with a 74-ball 124 against Sri Lanka. It remains the highest individual score for Afghanistan in ODIs.
Shahzad’s fearless approach has brought much success for Afghanistan cricket over the years. He has won several matches for them almost single-handedly with his batting fireworks.
Hazratullah Zazai
The swashbuckling Hazratullah Zazai announced himself on the world stage in style by smashing six sixes in an over in domestic T20 cricket in Afghanistan. An opening batsman, Zazai loves to play his shots right from the word go.
In just his second T20I against Ireland in 2019, Zazai blasted an incredible 162* off just 62 balls. It was also the highest-ever individual T20I score at the time. His explosive power makes him one of the most intimidating openers going around.
Along with his partner Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the duo has provided several quickfire starts. Zazai is an integral member of Afghanistan’s new generation of cricketers.
Hashmatullah Shahidi
Hashmatullah Shahidi displays immense patience and composure at No. 3 for Afghanistan. He plays textbook-style cricket shots and has a solid method for building an innings.
The technically correct Shahidi notched up Afghanistan’s maiden Test century with an unbeaten 102 against India in 2018. In ODIs, his composed 113 against Zimbabwe in 2016 helped set up a series victory.
Shahidi puts a high price on his wicket and does not throw it away needlessly. His presence provides much-needed stability to the Afghanistan batting order.
Asghar Afghan
Former captain Asghar Afghan has produced several impactful innings for Afghanistan over a stellar career. Batting in the middle order, Afghan plays aggressive yet calculated knocks.
In the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers, Afghan smashed five consecutive sixes in the final over to score a sensational 90. This quickfire knock set up a victory for Afghanistan from a dire situation.
Additionally, Afghan has hit the winning runs to seal victories on several occasions. His classic unbeaten 42 helped Afghanistan record their first victory at the 2019 World Cup versus Pakistan.
Rahmat Shah
Rahmat Shah possesses a complete range of strokes which helps him score all around the wicket. He has opened batting but mostly plays in the middle order now. His measured century against West Indies in 2019 helped Afghanistan gain their first Test win.
Shah’s composed temperament allows him to adapt well to situations. When quick runs are needed, he can shift gears smoothly. His unbeaten 94 guided Afghanistan out of trouble to a win against Bangladesh in 2016.Rahmat Shah’s flexibility to bat anywhere in the order is an asset for Afghanistan cricket going forward.
Samiullah Shinwari
A middle-order mainstay, Samiullah Shinwari has played many defiant innings to rescue Afghanistan from dire positions. He has a calm presence at the crease even during collapses.
Shinwari registered the highest score by an Afghan in T20Is with his belligerent 96 against Zimbabwe in 2016. Moreover, he scored a vital 54-ball 83 versus Sri Lanka in the 2018 Asia Cup.
By accumulating runs through proper cricketing shots, Shinwari holds the innings together. His stingy bowling also makes him a handy all-round option.
Najibullah Zadran
Najibullah Zadran’s power-packed batting adds crucial firepower to the Afghanistan middle order. He is renowned as an excellent finisher who can hit boundaries at will.
In an epic tie against India at the Asia Cup in 2018, Zadran played a stellar knock. With Afghanistan needing 46 off the last 18 balls, Zadran smashed a flurry of sixes to take the game to the last ball.
Zadran’s skills make him one of the best finishers from Associate teams globally. His big-hitting ability adds plenty of impetus to Afghanistan’s batting.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Just 20 years old, Rahmanullah Gurbaz has already established himself as one of Afghanistan’s most talented young players. He attacks right from ball one as he opens the batting alongside Zazai usually. finishers from Associate teams globally. His big-hitting ability adds plenty of impetus to Afghanistan’s batting.
In a T20I against Ireland in March 2022, Gurbaz played a sensational knock of 127 off just 56 balls. This scintillating century showcased his frightening potential.
Gurbaz keeps improving rapidly, evident through his string of impressive innings recently. His aggressive batting could make him Afghanistan’s most prolific run-scorer in years to come.
Conclusion
Afghanistan’s rise from Division Five to gaining Test status has been nothing short of a fairytale story. They have unearthed several world-beating players that are making heads turn globally. As per recent cricket news, the nation’s batting reserves seem abundant with prodigious talent waiting in the ranks. With a combination of belligerent strokeplay and patient building of innings, Afghanistan possesses the complete package. Their batting talent could truly take them great heights as they aim to become a force to reckon with. If nurtured well, this magnificent crop of batsmen can rewrite the history books.