Full Name: Rahmat Shah Zurmatai Date of Birth: July 6, 1993 Birthplace: Zurmat, Paktia Province, Afghanistan Teams: Afghanistan National Team, Mis Ainak Knights (Shpageeza Cricket League) In a cricketing culture known for its flamboyance and big-hitters, Rahmat Shah stands apart — quiet, composed, and technical. He is not one to make headlines with aggressive celebrations or towering sixes, but rather for his textbook strokes, consistency under pressure, and the kind of calm that steadies chaos. For years, Rahmat has been Afghanistan’s most dependable top-order batsman in Tests and ODIs, often anchoring innings when the team needs stability the most. Born in the town of Zurmat in Paktia, Rahmat’s early cricket journey was far from easy. Coming from a remote area with limited access to structured coaching or facilities, he relied on raw grit, natural technique, and self-discipline. As a teenager, his dedication to perfecting timing and shot selection began to set him apart from peers. Unlike many who chased power, Rahmat trained himself to play long innings — leaving balls with purpose and nudging singles with intent. He made his international debut in 2013, during Afghanistan’s climb toward Full Member status. Though quiet in his demeanor, his bat began speaking volumes. His breakthrough came in ODIs, where he quickly became a mainstay at No. 3 or No. 4 — bringing much-needed solidity to the middle order. With his ability to rotate strike, bat deep into innings, and handle spin with confidence, he became the pillar around which Afghanistan could build innings. But it was in Test cricket where Rahmat etched his name in history. On September 5, 2019, during a match against Bangladesh in Chattogram, Rahmat Shah became the first Afghan cricketer to score a Test century, crafting a masterful 102 in just Afghanistan’s third Test match. The innings was a symbolic moment — a declaration that Afghanistan didn’t just belong in the elite Test club, but could thrive there too. Rahmat’s style is classical. His cover drives are elegant, his defense assured, and his temperament reminiscent of old-school batters like Rahul Dravid or Kane Williamson. In ODIs, he has been equally valuable, with multiple half-centuries and centuries that often go under the radar but play pivotal roles in Afghanistan’s victories. His ability to hold one end and absorb pressure allows stroke-makers like Gurbaz or Najibullah to play freely. Occasionally, Rahmat contributes with his leg-spin, providing a handy option with the ball. But it’s his work ethic, calmness under fire, and mental strength that have made him a senior figure in the dressing room. Coaches and teammates often praise his unshakeable focus and humility — a man who never seeks attention, but always delivers when it matters most. Off the field, Rahmat remains grounded. He’s not active on social media, avoids limelight, and is known to spend time mentoring young cricketers in local academies across Afghanistan. He sees cricket not just as a profession, but as a responsibility — to serve as a role model for aspiring players from Afghanistan’s less-developed regions. Rahmat Shah may not be the loudest or flashiest Afghan cricketer, but he is undoubtedly one of the most valuable — a symbol of quiet resilience, unwavering discipline, and technical brilliance that continues to shape Afghanistan’s Test and ODI legacy.