Day 2 of the Test match between India and Afghanistan being played at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA International Stadium recorded some unforgettable moments for the visitors — Rahmat Shah becomes the first Afghan player to complete 1,000 runs in Test, while bowler Mohammad Saleem Safi claimed six wickets in an innings.
Before entering the Test format, Shah had scored 970 runs in 11 matches at an average of 46.19 with three tons and five half-centuries to his name. He is the highest run-scorer for his country in the red-ball cricket. His best performance was against Sri Lanka, where he posted 145 runs, including two half centuries.
At the draw of stumps, Shah posted an unbeaten 43 off 81 balls, with six boundaries and one six, and remained the highest scorer, so far, as the side posted 113/5.
Meanwhile, the Mullanpur stadium witnessed another historical moment for Afghanistan as its pacer Safi claimed his career’s first ever fifer. After claiming debutant Manav Suthar, which marked the completion of his maiden five-wicket haul, the 23-year-old lanky pacer kissed the ground and prayed to God. He ended up taking one more wicket, his best ever figure in the two Tests he has played. Born in Baghlan, north Afghanistan, he was once asked to leave cricket, but rose up to become one of the most important bowler of the Afghanistan team across all formats.
He was spotted by former Pakistan pacer and coach Rana Naved-ul-Hasan at Afghanistan’s high-performance centre in Kabul, where his pace and ability to move the ball attracted attention.
“Afghanistan players put up a good fight, and Safin did really well on a pitch which turned slow and was helping spinners. It was really amazing to watch him playing here in Mullanpur,” said Akash, an avid spectator. “The first-ever Test here will be an event to remember for these two players. Rahmat (Shah) is the top scorer for Afghanistan in the Test cricket, and has now become the first to complete 1,000 runs. Safi proved why he was picked for the 2022 T20 World Cup by former skipper Rashid Khan. He bowled brilliantly and was a treat to watch on both days. He didn’t only trouble the top order, but also restricted the middle order,” said Prihivi, a young fan.
On Day 2, the stands witnessed a better turnout than the opening day. As per the Punjab Cricket Association, around 10,000 tickets were sold. The PCA honorary secretary Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer rang the traditional bell to kick-start the second day’s play.
In a heartwarming gesture off the field, Hayer also felicitated Khyal Muhammad, the lone Afghan cricket fan at the venue.
