Top 5 best bowling figures by Afghanistan bowlers in test cricket

Rashid Khan is Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker in test cricket.

Afghanistan made their test cricket debut in 2018 against India. Despite being relatively new to international cricket, they have impressed everyone by defeating big teams like Pakistan, Australia, England, and West Indies in ICC tournaments.

The nation has made a name for itself with a strong bowling department. Boasting quality spinners like Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, they have also introduced exciting talent in the fast-bowling category.

On that note, let’s take a look at the top five best bowling figures by Afghanistan in test cricket.

Top five best bowling figures by Afghanistan bowlers in test cricket

5. Rashid Khan – 5/55 vs Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2019

Leg spinner Rashid Khan picked up five wickets in the only test of Afghanistan’s tour Bangladesh 2019 in Chattogram.

After posting 342 runs in the first innings, Afghanistan had the challenging task of restricting Bangladesh to a small total on a batting friendly wicket. Rashid starred for the visitors, picking up five wickets for just 55 runs.

Thanks to Rashid’s brilliance, Afghanistan bowled out Bangladesh for just 205 runs to take a commendable 137-run lead. Ultimately, Afghanistan won the match by 224 runs.

4. Amir Hamza – 6/75 vs Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi, 2021

Left arm spinner Amir Hamza registered an exceptional spell of 6/75 against Zimbabwe in the first test of the 2021 series at Abu Dhabi. After being bowled out for just 131 runs in the first innings, Hamza helped Afghanistan restrict Zimbabwe to 250 runs in the first innings.

Another batting collapse in the second innings saw Afghanistan get dismissed for just 135 runs. Despite Amir’s exceptional performance, Afghanistan lost the test by 10 wickets.

3. Rashid Khan – 6/49 vs Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2019

Remarkably, Rashid Khan repeated his first-innings heroics in the second innings of the 2019 Bangladesh vs Afghanistan test in Chattogram.

Bangladesh were given a target of 398 runs to chase in the fourth innings. Rashid led the Afghan bowling attack by registering figures of 6/49. Rashid’s impressive tally, which included key wickets of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, helped Afghanistan register an emphatic 224-run victory.

2. Rashid Khan – 7/137 vs Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi, 2021

Afghanistan’s most successful test bowler, Rashid Khan recorded brilliant bowling figures of 7/137 in the 2021 test against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi. In a game widely remembered for Hashmatullah Shahidi’s 200-run knock in the first innings, Rashid was Afghanistan’s star with the ball, dismantling the Zimbabwe batting lineup.

Rashid’s terrific performance with the ball helped Afghanistan bowl out Zimbabwe for 365 runs in second innings. Afghanistan won the game on fifth day by six wickets.

1. Rashid Khan – 7/66 vs Zimbabwe, Bulawayo, 2025

Rashid Khan holds the record for the best bowling figures by any Afghanistan bowler in test cricket. His brilliance came against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in 2025, where he recorded figures of 7/66.

Rashid’s remarkable spell saw him take seven wickets in 27.3 overs to bowl out the hosts for 205 runs. Rashid’s best wicket in the game came in the form of Craig Ervine, who was bowled by the leg spinner.

He was named Player of the Match for guiding Afghanistan to a 72-run victory.

(All stats are updated till 6th January 2025)

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