Rahmat Shah

Rahmat Shah Zurmatai is a prominent figure in Afghan cricket and a crucial member of the Afghanistan national cricket team. As a right-handed batter who occasionally contributes with his leg-break bowling, Rahmat has established himself as one of Afghanistan's most reliable and versatile players.

Rahmat's journey in international cricket began in March 2013 when he made his debut for Afghanistan in an ODI against Scotland. Over the years, he has been an integral part of the team's success. He achieved a significant milestone in June 2018 when he was among the eleven cricketers chosen to play in Afghanistan's historic first-ever Test match against India. This momentous occasion marked the growth of Afghan cricket on the global stage.

One of the highlights of Rahmat's international career came in September 2019 during a one-off Test match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Rahmat made history by becoming the first Afghan batter to score a century in Test cricket. This remarkable feat not only showcased his batting prowess but also solidified his position as a key figure in Afghanistan's cricketing landscape.

Rahmat's domestic cricket career is equally impressive. He has represented Afghanistan in various formats, playing List A cricket against strong teams like Pakistan A, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi. His versatility as a cricketer is evident in his ability to perform across different formats, making him a valuable asset to the team.

In July 2018, Rahmat's outstanding form was on full display when he emerged as the leading run-scorer for Mis Ainak Region in the Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One-Day Tournament. He accumulated 258 runs in just five matches, underlining his consistency and ability to anchor the innings.

While Rahmat was initially named as Afghanistan's Test captain in April 2019, the leadership was later entrusted to Rashid Khan. Nevertheless, Rahmat's contributions to the team remain invaluable, and he continues to be a reliable pillar of Afghanistan's cricketing success.

Beyond the international arena, Rahmat has also ventured into T20 franchise cricket. He was named in Nangarhar's squad for the inaugural edition of the Afghanistan Premier League tournament in September 2018, further expanding his cricketing horizons. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, Rahmat played a crucial role in Afghanistan's near-semifinal run, scoring back-to-back half-centuries in victories over Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands. The following year, he made his T20I debut against India, a match that remains his sole appearance in the format for Afghanistan.

Phil Simmons, the former head coach of Afghanistan, once described Rahmat as the team's most technically sound batter. Meanwhile, Jonathan Trott, another former head coach, lauded Rahmat's remarkable ability to absorb pressure while maintaining a steady scoring rate.

In summary, Rahmat Shah Zurmatai is more than just a cricketer; he is a symbol of Afghanistan's rise in international cricket. His versatility, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure have made him a cherished figure in Afghan cricket. As he continues to excel on the global stage, Rahmat remains a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers in Afghanistan and beyond.