Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Afghanistan’s Rising Cricket Star

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is one of Afghanistan’s most exciting young talents in international cricket. Known for his explosive batting and sharp wicketkeeping skills, Gurbaz has rapidly become a key player for his country. This article covers his early career, rise to fame, and future potential in global cricket.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s Early Career and Domestic Rise

Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s cricketing journey began at a young age. At just 15 years old, he made his List A debut for Afghanistan A against Zimbabwe A in 2017. He quickly followed this up with his participation in the Shpageeza T20 league. These early experiences helped him gain invaluable skills on the domestic circuit.

His performances in youth cricket were impressive, particularly during Afghanistan’s Under-19 World Cup campaign in 2018. He was later named Afghanistan’s highest run-scorer in the Under-19 Asia Cup, which set the stage for his rise to the senior national team.

International Breakthrough for Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Gurbaz’s international breakthrough came in 2019, when he made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in a tri-series held in Bangladesh. His debut was a statement, with Gurbaz scoring 43 runs off 24 balls. His rapid rise in T20s was further confirmed when he scored his maiden T20I half-century just a few matches later. Rahmanullah Gurbaz quickly became a first-choice opener for Afghanistan in the format.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s ODI Success and Record-Breaking Debut

In 2021, Rahmanullah Gurbaz earned his maiden ODI call-up for Afghanistan’s series against Ireland. In a remarkable start to his ODI career, Gurbaz became the first Afghan batter to score a century on debut. This century set the tone for his success in the 50-over format, establishing him as a regular member of the Afghan ODI team.

In 2023, Gurbaz continued to impress with exceptional performances, scoring centuries against Bangladesh and Pakistan in ODIs. These standout performances solidified his reputation as one of Afghanistan’s top batters.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz in Franchise T20 Leagues

Rahmanullah Gurbaz has also made a name for himself in T20 franchise leagues around the world. He has played in various prestigious leagues, such as the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), ILT20, and the Indian Premier League (IPL). His success in these leagues has been significant, with Gurbaz winning two IPL titles with two different franchises, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Success at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s historic run to the semi-finals in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer, helping Afghanistan reach their first-ever semi-final appearance in a World Cup. His contributions to the team’s success were crucial, and he emerged as one of the stars of the tournament.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s Future in International Cricket

Looking ahead, Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s future in international cricket appears incredibly promising. His explosive batting, combined with his wicketkeeping skills, makes him a valuable asset for Afghanistan in all formats. With continued growth and consistent performances in global leagues and international tournaments, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is set to become one of the most impactful cricketers on the world stage.

For more information on Afghanistan’s cricket team and rising stars like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, visit ICC Cricket for the latest updates. You can also explore player profiles and match stats at ESPN Cricinfo.

For related stories on Afghanistan cricket, check out our article on Afghanistan’s Cricket Achievements and stay updated with Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s career on our player profile page.

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