When it comes to Afghan cricket, names like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi often steal the spotlight. But there’s another star quietly crafting his legacy — Hashmatullah Shahidi, the dependable left-handed batsman who has become the backbone of Afghanistan’s batting lineup.

Born on November 4, 1994, in Logar, Afghanistan, Shahidi’s cricket journey is one of determination, grit, and discipline. Known for his calm demeanor and unflappable temperament, he’s not the flashy hitter you’d expect in modern cricket — instead, he’s the kind of player who builds an innings brick by brick, often anchoring Afghanistan through challenging phases.

Let’s take a closer look at Hashmatullah Shahidi’s career stats, his style of play, and what makes him such a vital asset to Afghan cricket.

Hashmatullah Shahidi: Quick Bio

Personal Information Details
Full Name Hashmatullah Shahidi
Date of Birth November 4, 1994
Age 30 years (as of 2025)
Birthplace Logar, Afghanistan
Role Batsman
Batting Style Left-Handed Bat
Bowling Style Right-arm offbreak

Shahidi’s rise in Afghan cricket has been inspiring. From his early days playing local matches in Logar to representing his country on the world stage, he’s consistently shown what hard work and patience can achieve.

Batting Career: A Symbol of Consistency

Test Career Highlights

In the longer format, Hashmatullah Shahidi has proven himself as a reliable middle-order batsman who thrives under pressure. His stats speak volumes:

Format Matches Innings Runs Highest Score Average 100s/50s Strike Rate
Test 10 19 757 246 50.47 2/2 47.44

That 246-run marathon remains one of Afghanistan’s most memorable Test innings. It wasn’t just about the runs — it was about patience, technique, and the mental toughness to bat long hours against world-class bowlers.

He’s one of the few Afghan players to score two double centuries in Test cricket, showing just how valuable he is when it comes to building innings rather than just playing cameos.

ODI Career Highlights

In the One Day format, Shahidi continues to be the steady anchor Afghanistan needs. His calm, methodical approach allows big hitters around him to play freely.

Format Matches Innings Runs Highest Score Average 50s/100s Strike Rate
ODI 90 88 2435 97 33.36 22/0 67.38

While he’s yet to notch up a century in ODIs, 22 half-centuries show how consistent he’s been at providing a solid platform. His ability to hold one end and guide Afghanistan through middle overs makes him a vital cog in the batting order.

T20I Career Highlights

Though T20s aren’t exactly Shahidi’s playground, he’s made his presence felt when given the opportunity.

Format Matches Innings Runs Highest Score Average Strike Rate
T20I 6 4 48 36 24 87.28

Shahidi’s role in T20s is often to stabilize innings after early wickets — not the flashiest role, but an important one nonetheless.

Bowling Career: Occasional Off-Spin Option

Although primarily a batsman, Shahidi occasionally rolls his arm over with his right-arm offbreaks. He’s not a frontline bowler, but he has chipped in when the team needed variety.

Format Matches Balls Bowled Runs Conceded Wickets Economy Rate Best Bowling
Test 10 84 59 0 4.21 0/4
ODI 90 18 25 0 8.33 0/8
T20I 6 0 0 0 0 -/-

His focus remains squarely on batting, but his occasional spells offer a handy change of pace and variety for the captain.

Career Milestones

Shahidi has represented Afghanistan across formats since his teenage years, debuting when the team was still carving out its identity in international cricket.

Format Debut Match Last Match (as of 2025)
T20I vs Kenya – Sept 30, 2013 (Sharjah Cricket Stadium) vs Ireland – Aug 11, 2022 (Civil Service Cricket Club)
ODI vs Kenya – Oct 2, 2013 (Sharjah Cricket Stadium) vs Australia – Feb 28, 2025 (Gaddafi Stadium)

From those early Kenya matches to competing against cricketing giants like Australia, Shahidi has come a long way. His calm leadership and tactical maturity have also earned him stints as Afghanistan’s captain in ODIs and Tests, further proving his value as both a player and a leader.

What Makes Hashmatullah Shahidi Stand Out?

Here’s what separates Shahidi from many of his peers:

1. Unshakeable Temperament

No matter the situation, Shahidi rarely shows frustration. His ability to remain composed under pressure makes him an invaluable player in tight games.

2. Patience and Technique

Unlike aggressive stroke players, Shahidi’s strength lies in building an innings. His textbook technique and calm approach are reminiscent of old-school Test cricketers.

3. Leadership Qualities

Having captained Afghanistan across formats, Shahidi has shown tactical acumen and the ability to inspire younger players.

4. Commitment to the Team

He often sacrifices personal milestones for the team’s success — whether it’s holding the fort during collapses or rotating strike to let hitters go big.

Memorable Moments in His Career

  • Double Century Against Zimbabwe (Test 2021): A defining innings that made headlines globally. Shahidi became the first Afghan to score a Test double hundred.

  • Captaincy Era: His calm, composed leadership style helped Afghanistan stabilize after a period of transition.

  • World Cup Contributions: In ODI tournaments, Shahidi has often been Afghanistan’s reliable middle-order mainstay, guiding the team to competitive totals.

Also Read : Colin Munro Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats

Key Takeaways from His Career

If there’s one thing young cricketers can learn from Hashmatullah Shahidi, it’s the power of consistency. You don’t always have to hit big sixes to make an impact. Sometimes, it’s about staying patient, building partnerships, and playing smart cricket.

His career reflects:

  • The value of discipline over flair

  • The importance of adaptability across formats

  • The influence of calm leadership in high-pressure environments

Legacy and Future Ahead

At just 30, Shahidi still has plenty of cricket left in him. As Afghanistan continues to rise as a cricketing nation, his experience and stability will remain crucial. Whether he’s anchoring innings or guiding younger teammates, Shahidi’s presence is a steadying force for the team.

Fans hope to see him finally cross that elusive century mark in ODIs, but even without it, his contribution to Afghan cricket is already monumental.

Final Thoughts

Hashmatullah Shahidi may not be the loudest player on the field, but his quiet determination speaks louder than words. His journey from Logar’s dusty pitches to international cricket is proof that discipline, patience, and belief can take you far.

As Afghanistan continues to make waves in world cricket, one thing’s certain — players like Shahidi form the heartbeat of their success story.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published

You cannot copy content of this page