OTD 2019: How Did Afghanistan national cricket team Register Their Maiden Test Win?

Afghanistan created history by securing their first-ever Test win in Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium at Dehradun on March 18, 2019, defeating Ireland by seven wickets in the only Test of the series. It was a landmark moment for Afghanistan, marking a significant milestone in their journey in the longest format of the game.

Ireland batted first and were bowled out for 172 runs as George Dockrell scored 39 off 100 balls, holding the crease as long as possible, while Paul Stirling contributed 26 to his name. Tim Murtagh played a fighting knock, remaining unbeaten on 54 off 75 balls. For Afghanistan, Yamin Ahmadzai led the bowling with figures of 3/41 in 12 overs. He was well supported by veteran Mohammad Nabi, who took 3/36 in 14 overs, Rashid Khan also chipped in with 2/20 in 12 overs, and Waqar Salamkheil scalped 2/35 in 14 overs.

In response, Afghanistan posted a strong first-innings total of 314. Rahmat Shah narrowly missed out on a century, scoring 98 off 214 balls with 15 boundaries. Hashmatullah Shahidi added 61 off 154 balls, while captain Asghar Afghan contributed 67 off 92 balls. For Ireland, Stuart Thompson picked up 3/28 in 17.3 overs, Andy McBrine took 2/77, James Cameron-Dow claimed 2/94, and Dockrell chipped in with 2/63.

Ireland fought back in their second innings, scoring 288 runs in 93 overs. Andy Balbirnie led the charge with 82 off 149 balls, while Kevin O’Brien scored 56. Other batters made useful contributions to push the total. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers held firm, with leg-spinner Rashid delivering a match-winning spell of 5/82 in 34 overs. Ahmadzai supported him with 3/52, while Salamkheil picked up 2/66.

Chasing a target of 147 runs, Afghanistan showed composure with the bat, reaching 149/3 in 47.5 overs as Ihsanullah Janat remained unbeaten on 65 off 129 balls, while Rahmat Shah capped off a brilliant match with 76 off 122 balls.

Rahmat Shah was deservedly named Player of the Match for his two outstanding fifties in the Test. Notably, by matches played, Afghanistan became the joint second-fastest team to register their maiden Test victory, alongside Pakistan and England, underlining the rapid rise of the team in international cricket.

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