The Afghanistan cricket team is certainly making heads turn with their superb performances on the cricket field and recently they won the 3-match ODI series against Bangladesh by 2-1.
In the final match which was the decider of the series, Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz delivered a stellar performance against Bangladesh. The match which was played on 11 Nov at Sharjah Cricket Stadium saw the right-handed opener score 101 runs off 120 balls, helping Afghanistan chase down a target of 245 runs in 48.2 overs with just five wickets lost. Gurbaz, who was not retained by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, showcased his impressive hitting skills by smashing five fours and seven sixes.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s knock was pivotal in Afghanistan’s victory. He shared a crucial 100-run stand for the fourth wicket with Azmatullah Omarzai, who remained unbeaten on 70 runs from 77 balls, further solidifying the team’s position in the chase.
In achieving his eighth ODI century in his 46th match, Gurbaz equalled an impressive record set by Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. The Little Master, who amassed 49 centuries in a 463-match ODI career, had reached his eighth century before turning 23. The only other player to achieve this milestone at a young age is South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock.
Quinton de Kock remains the youngest batter to score eight ODI centuries, having reached this feat at 22 years and 312 days. Gurbaz, who recorded his eighth ODI hundred at 22 years and 349 days, narrowly follows Quinton de Kock. As far as Sachin Tendulkar is concerned, he achieved this milestone at 22 years and 357 days.
That is a great achievement for Rahmanullah Gurbaz as well as Afghanistan cricket.
