In the world of cricket, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi, affectionately known as Rahmat and Hashmat, have been instrumental in bringing joy to Afghanistan’s cricket fans. They are more than just players; they are the embodiment of resilience and excellence, proving that cricket can indeed bring smiles to the faces of the Afghan people.
Their partnership extends beyond the cricket field, as their camaraderie and achievements have solidified their place in the hearts of Afghan cricket enthusiasts. With a combined total of 1,501 runs in ODIs, they have showcased their remarkable talent and teamwork. This dynamic duo has delivered consistently for Afghanistan, with a partnership tally of 1257 runs in 25 innings, at an impressive average of 50.28. This includes four century stands and seven half-century partnerships.
The 2023 World Cup has witnessed their brilliance once again, with memorable performances against formidable opponents. Against the Netherlands, Rahmat and Hashmat guided Afghanistan to a thrilling victory, showcasing their experience and composure. This win marked Afghanistan’s fourth consecutive triumph in the tournament, elevating them to the fifth position in the rankings, on par with New Zealand.
In a critical match that could determine Afghanistan’s progression, the team found themselves in a precarious situation at 55/2. It was Rahmat and Hashmatullah who once again stepped up to the plate. Their partnership, built on calculated singles and capitalizing on loose deliveries, steered Afghanistan from 55/2 in the 11th over to 109/2 after 20. Rahmat reached his fifty in just 47 balls, and together, they put Afghanistan on course for another successful chase.
Afghanistan’s newfound consistency in batting has been a highlight of the 2023 World Cup, and Rahmat and Hashmat have been pivotal in this journey. Their partnership continues to flourish, and they are bound to add more runs to their impressive tally as Afghanistan’s remarkable journey in the tournament unfolds. In the match against the Netherlands, Hashmat remained unbeaten, partnering with Azmatullah to secure a vital 52-run stand.
Ryan Cook, the head coach of the Netherlands, praised Rahmat and Hashmat for their methodical approach, acknowledging their ability to seize any potential comeback opportunities from the opposition. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s head coach, Jonathan Trott, emphasized the importance of positivity, boundary-scoring, and maintaining composure, highlighting the contributions of both Rahmat and Hashmat, as well as the captain’s role in securing victories.
Their partnership has been the cornerstone of Afghanistan’s success, with partnerships of 96*, 58, and 74 against Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands, respectively. Hashmat leads the charts for most 50-plus scores for Afghanistan in World Cups, while Rahmat is the first from Afghanistan to cross the 500-run mark in World Cup history. With three fifty-plus scores each, they also hold the record for the most such scores in a single World Cup edition.
Rahmat and Hashmat let their performances and statistics do the talking, leaving smiles intact in the Afghanistan camp. Their consistency and dedication to the game have made them heroes in Afghan cricket, and their legacy continues to grow with each match they play.
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
