When you think about Afghan cricket, big hitters like Rashid Khan or Mohammad Nabi might come to mind first. But quietly and consistently, one man has built his reputation as the heartbeat of Afghanistan’s batting lineup — Rahmat Shah.
Calm under pressure, stylish with the bat, and respected for his maturity on and off the field, Rahmat has become one of Afghanistan’s most dependable players across formats. Whether he’s playing a gritty Test innings or anchoring a tricky ODI chase, Rahmat Shah’s name often pops up on the scorecard when it matters most.
Let’s dive deep into Rahmat Shah’s journey — his career highlights, batting and bowling stats, and what makes him such a vital part of Afghanistan’s cricket story.
Rahmat Shah: Quick Bio
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rahmat Shah Zurmatai |
| Date of Birth | July 6, 1993 (Age: 31) |
| Birthplace | Paktia, Afghanistan |
| Role | Top-order Batsman |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm legbreak |
| Country | Afghanistan |
| Current ODI Ranking | 38 |
| Current Test Ranking | 26 |
Born in the Paktia province of Afghanistan, Rahmat Shah rose through the ranks during a time when Afghan cricket was just starting to make its mark on the global stage. Known for his textbook batting technique and calm temperament, Rahmat brings a touch of old-school class to modern cricket.
Rahmat Shah’s Batting Career: Numbers That Tell His Story
Rahmat Shah’s career may not always make flashy headlines, but his stats prove why he’s a pillar of Afghanistan’s batting lineup. He’s the kind of player every team needs — reliable, adaptable, and unflappable under pressure.
Test Career Stats
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s | 200s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 21 | 970 | 234 | 46.19 | 53.30 | 3/5 | 1 |
In just 11 Test matches, Rahmat has already left his mark with three centuries and a remarkable double hundred (234) — a record that cements him as one of Afghanistan’s best red-ball players. His solid technique allows him to stand tall even against world-class attacks, making him a cornerstone in Afghanistan’s batting order.
ODI Career Stats
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 123 | 118 | 3976 | 114 | 35.19 | 71.27 | 5/31 |
In ODIs, Rahmat Shah has been Afghanistan’s Mr. Dependable. His nearly 4,000 runs show both his consistency and importance in the middle order. With five centuries and 31 half-centuries, Rahmat often steadies the innings when early wickets fall and keeps the scoreboard ticking with smart singles and timely boundaries.
His strike rate of 71.27 may not scream aggression, but that’s precisely what makes him special — he plays the situation, not just the scoreboard.
T20I Career Stats
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 3 | 3.00 | 3 |
Rahmat’s T20I career is still in its infancy, with just one appearance so far. But given his technique and shot selection, fans hope to see him adapt his calm, anchor-like approach to the fast-paced T20 format in the coming years.
Rahmat Shah as a Bowler: A Handy Option
While Rahmat Shah’s primary role is batting, his right-arm legbreaks offer a handy option when the team needs a breakthrough.
Test Bowling Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1 | 1/30 | 53.0 | 3.79 |
Though he’s bowled only a few overs in Tests, his control and ability to chip in reflect his all-round cricketing sense.
ODI Bowling Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 123 | 15 | 5/32 | 35.47 | 5.88 |
Rahmat’s best ODI bowling performance, 5/32, shows he can surprise batsmen when least expected. Afghanistan has often used him as a part-time option, especially on spin-friendly pitches where his variations can be effective.
T20I Bowling Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | -/- |
He hasn’t bowled yet in T20Is, but his experience in longer formats ensures he remains a versatile team asset.
Career Milestones: The Road So Far
| Format | Debut Match | Last Match (as of 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| T20I | vs India, Jan 11, 2024 (Mohali) | vs India, Jan 11, 2024 (Mohali) |
| ODI | vs Scotland, Mar 6, 2013 (Sharjah) | vs Australia, Feb 28, 2025 (Lahore) |
| Test | vs India, Jun 14, 2018 (Bengaluru) | vs Zimbabwe, Jan 2, 2025 (Bulawayo) |
From his ODI debut in 2013 to his Test breakthrough against India in 2018, Rahmat has shown tremendous growth. He’s faced some of the world’s toughest bowlers with grace and grit — traits that define Afghanistan’s fighting spirit.
Why Rahmat Shah Is So Important to Afghanistan Cricket
Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket has been nothing short of a fairytale. And players like Rahmat Shah are the unsung heroes behind that success. Here’s why he stands out:
1. The Anchor Afghanistan Needs
Rahmat is often the glue that holds the innings together. When explosive players fall early, his calm presence ensures stability.
2. Technical Soundness
While many associate Afghan cricket with power-hitting, Rahmat’s technique brings much-needed balance. His front-foot drives and back-foot punches are pure elegance.
3. Experience Across Formats
Having played over 120 ODIs and multiple Tests, he’s a veteran who guides younger players with his composed demeanor and professional attitude.
4. Consistency and Adaptability
Rahmat adjusts to every format’s demand — playing long, patient innings in Tests and shifting gears when needed in ODIs.
5. A Quiet Leader
He may not always grab headlines, but teammates admire his work ethic, focus, and sportsmanship. In many ways, Rahmat embodies the calm discipline that complements Afghanistan’s fiery talent pool.
Memorable Moments From Rahmat Shah’s Career
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Maiden Test Century vs Bangladesh (2019): Rahmat became Afghanistan’s first-ever batsman to score a Test century, etching his name in cricket history.
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Double Century vs Zimbabwe: His brilliant 234-run innings remains one of the finest Test knocks by any Afghan player.
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5-Wicket Haul in ODIs: His surprise performance of 5/32 showcased his all-round potential.
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Steady Performer in World Cups: Rahmat has delivered crucial innings for Afghanistan in ICC tournaments, often under immense pressure.
These moments underline his ability to shine in both individual brilliance and team contributions.
Also Read : Jean-Paul Duminy Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Rahmat Shah’s Playing Style: Calm, Composed, and Classy
Rahmat’s batting style is a throwback to the classic era — minimal fuss, perfect timing, and graceful strokeplay. He reads the game exceptionally well, pacing his innings according to match conditions. His strengths include:
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Strong defense against pace and spin
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Smooth drives through covers and midwicket
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Excellent temperament in long innings
He’s not the kind of player who goes for wild slogs — instead, he builds his innings methodically, often forming the backbone of Afghanistan’s batting partnerships.
The Road Ahead for Rahmat Shah
At 31, Rahmat Shah is at the peak of his career. With years of experience behind him and plenty of cricket ahead, he remains vital to Afghanistan’s ambitions in Test and ODI formats.
If Afghanistan continues to grow as a Test-playing nation, players like Rahmat will play a pivotal role in shaping its future. His focus on fitness, discipline, and adaptability makes him a perfect mentor for the next generation of Afghan cricketers.
Final Thoughts
Rahmat Shah may not always make headlines, but real cricket fans know his value. He represents everything beautiful about the game — patience, class, and quiet determination.
From the dusty grounds of Paktia to international stadiums worldwide, Rahmat’s story is proof that hard work and perseverance can build legends even without the limelight.
As Afghanistan continues to rise on the global stage, Rahmat Shah’s calm presence at the crease will remain one of its strongest assets — the unsung hero in a team full of stars.
