Afghanistan entered the Test cricket arena in 2018, making their debut against India. Despite being newcomers to international cricket, they have turned heads by securing victories over cricketing giants like Pakistan, Australia, England, and the West Indies in ICC tournaments.
Renowned for their formidable bowling unit, Afghanistan has showcased exceptional talent in spin bowling, led by stars like Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Additionally, their fast-bowling lineup is steadily gaining recognition, introducing promising new talents to the cricketing world.
5. Rashid Khan – 5/55 vs Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2019
After posting a competitive 342 in the first innings, Afghanistan faced the daunting task of curbing Bangladesh on a batting-friendly pitch. Rashid rose to the challenge, claiming five wickets for just 55 runs, including key scalps that derailed Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
His stellar performance helped bowl Bangladesh out for just 205, giving Afghanistan a crucial 137-run lead. Afghanistan eventually sealed a historic 224-run victory.
4. Amir Hamza – 6/75 vs Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi, 2021
Left-arm spinner Amir Hamza delivered a remarkable spell of 6/75 in the first Test against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi during the 2021 series.
Afghanistan were bowled out for a modest 131 in the first innings, but Hamza fought back, dismantling Zimbabwe’s batting lineup and restricting them to 250. Unfortunately, Afghanistan suffered another batting collapse in their second innings, managing just 135 runs. Despite Hamza’s exceptional effort, Afghanistan lost the match by 10 wickets.
3. Rashid Khan – 6/49 vs Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2019
Continuing his first-innings brilliance, Rashid Khan put on a stellar display in the second innings of the same 2019 Test in Chattogram, finishing with figures of 6/49.
Chasing a massive target of 398, Bangladesh’s hopes were crushed as Rashid dismantled their lineup, including key wickets like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah. His second five-wicket haul in the match secured Afghanistan a dominant 224-run victory.
2. Rashid Khan – 7/137 vs Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi, 2021
In a match highlighted by Hashmatullah Shahidi’s double-century, Rashid spearheaded Afghanistan’s bowling, dismantling Zimbabwe’s batting order in their second innings. His efforts ensured the visitors were bowled out for 365, paving the way for a six-wicket victory for Afghanistan on the final day.
1. Rashid Khan – 7/66 vs Zimbabwe, Bulawayo, 2025
Rashid Khan etched his name in the record books with a sensational 7/66, the best bowling figures by any Afghanistan bowler in Test cricket, during a 2025 match against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
In a spellbinding performance, Rashid bowled 27.3 overs to dismiss Zimbabwe for just 205 runs. His most notable wicket was Craig Ervine, who was clean-bowled by Rashid’s precise leg-spin.
Awarded Player of the Match, Rashid’s heroics guided Afghanistan to a thrilling 72-run victory, solidifying his reputation as a world-class match-winner.