Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, has carved his name in cricket’s history books by becoming the fastest Afghan cricketer to reach the milestone of 1,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODI). This remarkable feat was achieved during Afghanistan’s opening match in the World Cup 2023 against Bangladesh in Dharamsala.
Gurbaz’s Spectacular Achievement: With just 42 runs needed to achieve this monumental milestone as he walked onto the field, Gurbaz showcased his distinctive blend of technique and aggression to attain the feat. Since his ODI debut in 2021, he has witnessed an extraordinary ascent, reaching 1,000 runs in a mere 27 innings, surpassing Rahmat Shah’s previous national record of 31 innings.
Joining an Exclusive Club: Gurbaz now joins an elite group of Afghan batters, becoming the 13th player from his country to enter the 1,000-run club in ODI cricket. What elevates his journey is his exceptional batting average of over 38, the highest among Afghan players with 1,000 ODI runs. Moreover, since his debut, no other Afghan cricketer has amassed as many ODI runs as Gurbaz.
A Milestone for Wicketkeeper-Batters: This accomplishment also marks Gurbaz as only the second Afghan wicketkeeper-batsman to achieve the 1,000-run landmark in ODIs, standing proudly alongside the veteran Mohammad Shahzad.
Remembering the Magnificent 151: Gurbaz’s journey thus far is not without remarkable highlights. His stunning 151-run innings against Pakistan earlier this year not only became his personal best but also catapulted him into the ranks of the world’s second-fastest player to secure five ODI centuries. This incredible feat was accomplished in just 23 innings, placing him in esteemed company alongside global stars like Pakistan’s Imam-ul-Haq and South Africa’s Quinton de Kock, who achieved this milestone in 19 innings.
Present Challenge for Afghanistan: As Gurbaz celebrates his historic achievement, Afghanistan currently faces a challenging situation in their ongoing clash in Dharamsala. After 28 overs, they find themselves at 126/6, with Bangladesh opting to field first. While the team battles on the field, Gurbaz’s remarkable achievement serves as an inspiration and a testament to Afghan cricket’s bright future.