Who is the first Afghanistan batter to enter top 10 in ICC men's ODI batting rankings?

Afghanistan recently defeated South Africa 2-1 in ODI bilateral series.

Afghanistan are one of the rising nations in the cricketing world. The nation has produced some talented batters and bowlers who have uplifted the nation’s status on the global stage.

They made their ODI cricket debut in the year 2009 when they faced the Scotland in ICC World Cup Qualifiers. They won the game by 89 runs. Their first ever ODI bilateral series was against the Netherlands in 2009, which they leveled 1-1. They won their first ever ODI bilateral series in 2015, when they defeated Zimbabwe 3-2 in a five-match sereis.

In 2023, they outclassed Bangladesh in a three-match ODI series 2-1. However, their biggest cricketing moment came when they defeated South Africa in a bilateral ODI series for the first time in 2024. They defeated South Africa 2-1 in a three-match bilateral series, which was played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Following their series win against the Proteas, their batters and bowlers have made significant rise in ODI rankings. On September 25, 2024, the International Cricket Council (ICC) shared the updated men’s ODI batting rankings. The list includes the likes of Babar Azam, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma in the top 10.

However, one Afghan batter scripted history by becoming the first batter of his nation to be ranked in top 10 of the ICC ODI batting rankings.

Who is the first Afghanistan batter to enter top 10 in the ICC men’s ODI batting rankings?

Afghanistan cricketer Rahmanullah Gurbaz scripted history as he became the first batter from his nation to break into the top 10 of the ICC men’s ODI batting rankings.

Gurbaz achieved this huge feat after his remarkable performance in Afghanistan’s historic ODI series win over South Africa in the UAE. In three matches, Gurbaz slammed 194 runs at an admirable average of 64.66. The right-handed batter scored one century and one half-century against South Africa. 

Gurbaz’s consistent and fearless batting approach during the ODI series against South Africa helped him to jump 10 places in the ODI batting rankings. The Afghan batter is now placed at eighth spot.

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