Who is Shams Ur Rahman? 5 interesting facts about uncapped Afghanistan all-rounder picked for one-off Test vs New Zealand

As Afghanistan gear up for a high-stakes one-off Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida, all eyes are on the fresh talent joining the Afghan squad. With star players like Rashid Khan and Naveed Zadran out due to injuries, Afghanistan have brought in uncapped all-rounder Shams Ur Rahman to bolster their lineup.

Rahman is one of Afghanistan's rising stars. He has already made an impact in domestic cricket, excelling in both batting and bowling.

On that note, here are five intriguing facts about the emerging all-rounder ahead of what could be his potential breakthrough.

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#5 From local talent to first-class debut: A journey through Afghanistan’s domestic circuit

Shams Ur Rahman’s cricketing journey began in Afghanistan’s domestic leagues, where he first showcased his skills. He made his first-class debut in March 2018 for Kabul Region in the Ahmad Shah Abdali four-day Tournament.

His steady rise through the ranks caught the attention of national selectors early on, leading to his inclusion in Afghanistan's squad for the 2016 Under-19 World Cup. Rahman's performance in the tournament, particularly with the ball, clearly indicated his potential as an all-rounder in the making.

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#4 Consistent wicket-taker in limited-overs formats: Shining in the 2024 Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One-Day Tournament

Shams Ur Rahman’s ability to make crucial breakthroughs with the ball has been one of his defining traits. In the 2024 Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One-Day Tournament, he was one of the standout performers for the Hindukush Strikers.

Finishing as the third-highest wicket-taker, he claimed 11 wickets in just six matches. Rahman's impressive bowling average of 28.27 and an economy rate of 4.71 displayed his knack for controlling runs while consistently picking up wickets. These qualities could prove vital for Afghanistan against New Zealand.

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#3 Lower-order rescuer: A key contributor with the bat for Hindukush Strikers

While primarily known for his bowling, Shams Ur Rahman has demonstrated his batting prowess when needed. In a crucial 2024 Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One Day Tournament match, he played a vital 52-run knock to help his team recover from a precarious position.

Coming in at 100/5, Rahman partnered with other lower-order batters to push the total to a respectable 264. His ability to deliver under pressure with the bat makes him a dual threat, offering depth to Afghanistan’s batting lineup.

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#2 Stellar performance in Qosh Tepa T20 2024: Explosive batting against Boost Region

One of Shams Ur Rahman’s most notable performances came in the Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup 2024, where he played a spectacular knock for Band-e-Amir Region against Boost Region.

Chasing 238, Rahman kept his team in the game with a blistering knock of 84* off just 33 balls with the aid of seven fours and as many sixes at a strike rate of 254.54.

Although Band-e-Amir fell short by 18 runs, Rahman's explosive batting earned him widespread recognition, building a reputation as a match-winner in the making.

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#1 Early international experience: Impressive bowling at the 2016 Under-19 World Cup

Shams Ur Rahman first gained international attention when he represented Afghanistan in the 2016 Under-19 World Cup. Although his contributions with the bat were modest, his bowling performances stood out. Rahman took nine wickets in five innings at a remarkable bowling average of 11.77 and an economy rate of just 2.98.

His best figures of 3/19 reflect his ability to control the game and apply pressure on opposition batters, skills that will be critical in his future international career.