Most Runs: Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket has been nothing short of extraordinary. From humble beginnings in the lower echelons of world cricket to becoming a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and playing in major tournaments, Afghanistan has established itself as a competitive force on the global stage. The team’s growth in all formats of the game — Test cricket, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) — has been driven by several standout performances from their star players.
Most Runs: As Afghanistan continues to make waves in international cricket, there are a few players who have been central to the team’s success, particularly in terms of run-scoring across formats. This article takes a detailed look at the players who have accumulated the most runs for Afghanistan in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, highlighting their key achievements and contributions to Afghanistan’s cricketing journey.
Most Runs: Afghanistan’s Cricketing Evolution
Most Runs: Afghanistan’s cricketing history is relatively young, with the team making its debut in international cricket in the early 2000s. After gaining full membership of the ICC in 1995, Afghanistan’s cricket team began its rise, with the country’s first official match being played in 2001. The team’s participation in the 2015 ICC World Cup marked a major milestone, and they have since participated in various ICC tournaments, including the ICC World Cup and ICC T20 World Cup.
Most Runs: Their swift progress, particularly in limited-overs formats, has been attributed to the strong emphasis on domestic cricket, the rise of star players, and robust grassroots development. Notably, Afghanistan’s star players have been essential in putting the team on the map, with performances in ODI and T20 cricket serving as a major catalyst for the team’s recognition.
Top Run-Scorers For Afghanistan In International Cricket
Most Runs: Below is a table listing Afghanistan’s top run-scorers in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, showcasing their contributions to the national team’s success.
| Player | Format | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahmat Shah | Tests | 22 | 1,474 | 38.78 | 41.23 | 4 | 8 |
| Mohammad Shahzad | ODIs | 84 | 2,539 | 31.73 | 82.33 | 5 | 13 |
| Asghar Afghan | ODIs | 114 | 3,253 | 32.53 | 75.33 | 6 | 18 |
| Hashmatullah Shahidi | ODIs | 58 | 2,166 | 39.92 | 75.47 | 5 | 13 |
| Samiullah Shenwari | ODIs | 75 | 1,829 | 30.48 | 77.34 | 2 | 14 |
| Najibullah Zadran | T20Is | 67 | 1,103 | 32.47 | 133.12 | 0 | 6 |
| Mohammad Nabi | ODIs | 130 | 3,866 | 33.97 | 75.59 | 3 | 28 |
| Gulbadin Naib | ODIs | 74 | 1,531 | 28.37 | 73.40 | 1 | 7 |
| Shafiqullah Shafiq | T20Is | 31 | 590 | 19.66 | 121.75 | 0 | 3 |
| Hazratullah Zazai | T20Is | 22 | 749 | 37.45 | 144.79 | 6 | 2 |
1. Rahmat Shah (Test Cricket)
Runs Scored: 1,474
Matches Played: 22
Average: 38.78
100s: 4
50s: 8
Most Runs: Rahmat Shah is undoubtedly Afghanistan’s most prolific run-scorer in Test cricket. With 1,474 runs at an average of 38.78, Rahmat has been a crucial figure in Afghanistan’s Test history. He made his debut for Afghanistan in 2018 against India and has since established himself as the backbone of the batting lineup in the longer format. His ability to play long innings and build partnerships has been vital in stabilizing Afghanistan’s innings. Rahmat’s 4 centuries are a testament to his consistency in the format, providing Afghanistan with a solid foundation.
2. Mohammad Shahzad (ODI Cricket)
Runs Scored: 2,539
Matches Played: 84
Average: 31.73
100s: 5
50s: 13
Most Runs: Mohammad Shahzad has been one of Afghanistan’s most dangerous openers in ODIs. With 2,539 runs from 84 matches, Shahzad has been a key player at the top of the order, providing Afghanistan with explosive starts in several games. Known for his attacking approach, Shahzad has scored five centuries and thirteen half-centuries. His aggressive batting style has made him a key player in the team, especially in the limited-overs format.
3. Asghar Afghan (ODI Cricket)
Runs Scored: 3,253
Matches Played: 114
Average: 32.53
100s: 6
50s: 18
Most Runs: Asghar Afghan, one of the most experienced players in Afghanistan’s cricketing history, has been a significant contributor with the bat in ODIs. With 3,253 runs from 114 matches, his leadership and consistency in the middle-order have been invaluable. Afghan has scored six centuries and eighteen half-centuries, proving his ability to anchor the innings and stabilize the middle order in ODIs. As one of the senior-most players, Afghan has led Afghanistan in various ICC tournaments and continues to be a pivotal figure in the team.
4. Hashmatullah Shahidi (ODI Cricket)
Runs Scored: 2,166
Matches Played: 58
Average: 39.92
100s: 5
50s: 13
Most Runs: Hashmatullah Shahidi has emerged as a reliable middle-order batsman for Afghanistan in ODIs. With an impressive average of 39.92, Shahidi has been a steady performer in the middle order, providing much-needed stability to Afghanistan’s batting lineup. His five centuries and thirteen half-centuries demonstrate his consistency in the format. Shahidi’s composed approach has been crucial in building partnerships and ensuring that Afghanistan posts competitive totals.
5. Mohammad Nabi (ODI Cricket)
Runs Scored: 3,866
Matches Played: 130
Average: 33.97
100s: 3
50s: 28
Most Runs: Mohammad Nabi, one of Afghanistan’s most experienced all-rounders, has been a cornerstone of their ODI batting lineup. With 3,866 runs from 130 matches, Nabi has played pivotal roles in both anchoring and accelerating Afghanistan’s innings. His contribution to the team has not only come with the bat but also with the ball, as he is one of Afghanistan’s best all-rounders. With three centuries and twenty-eight half-centuries, Nabi’s ability to play in various roles makes him an invaluable asset for Afghanistan.
6. Najibullah Zadran (T20I Cricket)
Runs Scored: 1,103
Matches Played: 67
Average: 32.47
Strike Rate: 133.12
100s: 0
50s: 6
Most Runs: Najibullah Zadran is one of Afghanistan’s most destructive players in T20 cricket. Known for his power-hitting and aggressive batting, Zadran has made a significant impact in the T20I format. With 1,103 runs from 67 matches, he is one of the top contributors for Afghanistan in T20Is. Although he hasn’t scored a century, Zadran’s ability to strike at a rate of 133.12 makes him a constant threat in the middle order.
7. Hazratullah Zazai (T20I Cricket)
Runs Scored: 749
Matches Played: 22
Average: 37.45
Strike Rate: 144.79
100s: 6
50s: 2
Hazratullah Zazai has been one of the most exciting young talents in Afghanistan’s T20I lineup. With a strike rate of 144.79, he is one of the most destructive openers in world cricket. In his brief T20I career, Zazai has already scored 749 runs at an impressive average of 37.45, including six half-centuries. His aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly make him one of the most dangerous players in the shortest format.
Conclusion
Afghanistan’s cricketing journey has been marked by several outstanding performances from its players. The most successful run-scorers in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is have all played crucial roles in building Afghanistan’s reputation as a competitive cricketing nation.
While Rahmat Shah holds the record for the most runs in Test cricket, Mohammad Shahzad, Asghar Afghan, and Mohammad Nabi have been the key pillars of Afghanistan’s success in ODIs. In T20I cricket, players like Najibullah Zadran and Hazratullah Zazai have showcased their ability to score at an incredible pace.
As Afghanistan continues to develop its cricketing infrastructure and nurtures young talent, the future looks bright for its cricketers, with more records and remarkable performances expected in the years to come.