Afghanistan made their Test cricket debut in 2018 against India. Despite their relatively short history in the format, they have quickly made their mark on the international stage, highlighted by a strong showing in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and reaching the knockout stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Renowned for their world-class spin bowling, Afghanistan has also made notable strides in their batting, showcasing greater depth and consistency. While their Test appearances remain limited, they have already demonstrated their potential by posting impressive totals in the longer format.
5. 296 vs Sri Lanka, 2024, Colombo
Afghanistan showed resilience in the lone Test of their 2024 tour of Sri Lanka. Trailing by 241 runs in the first innings, Afghanistan battled hard to post 296 in 112.3 overs against a formidable Sri Lankan spin attack. Ibrahim Zadran stood out with a remarkable century, scoring 114. Despite their spirited effort, Sri Lanka secured a commanding 10-wicket victory.
4. 314 vs Ireland, 2019, Dehradun
Afghanistan’s impressive batting display in Dehradun during the 2019 series against Ireland remains one of their most notable performances. Chasing Ireland’s first-innings total of 172, Rahmat Shah led the charge with a brilliant knock of 98, supported by fifties from Hashmatullah Shahidi and captain Asghar Afghan. Afghanistan piled up 314 runs, setting the stage for a comfortable seven-wicket victory on the fourth day.
3. 342 vs Bangladesh, 2019, Chattogram
In 2019, Afghanistan stunned Bangladesh in Chattogram with a commanding total of 342 runs. Rahmat Shah’s century (102) and Asghar Afghan’s 92 formed a vital 120-run partnership for the fourth wicket, laying a solid foundation. Afghanistan dominated the Test, winning by 224 runs. Rashid Khan’s 11-wicket haul earned him the Player of the Match award.
2. 545/4d vs Zimbabwe, 2021, Abu Dhabi
Afghanistan posted their second-highest Test total of 545/4 declared against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi in 2021. Opting to bat first, they decimated the Zimbabwean bowling attack over 160 overs. Hashmatullah Shahidi made history by becoming Afghanistan’s first double centurion with an unbeaten 200, while Asghar Afghan contributed a brilliant 164. Afghanistan went on to win the match by six wickets on the final day.
1. 699 vs Zimbabwe, 2024, Bulawayo
Afghanistan achieved their highest-ever Test total of 699 runs in Bulawayo in 2024. After conceding a mammoth 586 runs in the first innings, Afghanistan bounced back strongly. Hashmatullah Shahidi led the way with a stunning 246, while Rahmat Shah joined him with a double century, scoring 234. This record-breaking innings marked a historic moment in Afghanistan’s Test cricket journey.