Rashid Khan Arman, Afghanistan’s cricket superstar, has captured the attention and admiration of cricket fans worldwide with his exceptional talent and remarkable performances. Known for his deadly legspin, Rashid has emerged as one of the most potent T20 bowlers in the history of the game. His contributions have been instrumental in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket, establishing him as a key player and leader for his team.
With his bowling style, Rashid relies on his speed through the air rather than excessive turn. This strategy puts pressure on the batsmen, making it challenging for them to predict his deliveries. His accuracy and disciplined line, reminiscent of his idol Shahid Afridi, further add to his effectiveness. Rashid’s most potent weapon is his accurate googly, along with an array of variations that keep the batsmen guessing. Additionally, when wielding the bat, Rashid has the ability to clear the boundary, often turning middling totals into match-winning ones for his team.
Rashid burst onto the international scene at a tender age of 17, making his ODI debut during Afghanistan’s Zimbabwe tour in October 2015. His remarkable performances quickly caught the attention of franchise cricket, and he was signed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for a staggering sum of close to US$600,000. In his debut season, he delivered a sensational performance, taking 17 wickets, solidifying his reputation as a world-class bowler. This extraordinary display earned him subsequent deals with the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he achieved the first-ever hat-trick in the tournament’s history, and the Adelaide Strikers, securing their first Big Bash League (BBL) title in 2018.
Rashid’s contributions to Afghanistan cricket are nothing short of extraordinary. He played an integral role in Afghanistan’s record 11-match T20I winning streak, delivering a stunning performance against Ireland, taking 5 wickets for a mere 3 runs. In the same year, he led his team to their maiden ODI victory in the Caribbean against West Indies, claiming exceptional figures of 7 wickets for 18 runs. These astonishing achievements earned Rashid the prestigious title of the 2017 ICC Associate Cricketer of the Year.
Continuing to break records and set milestones, Rashid became the youngest cricketer to top the ODI bowling rankings. Furthermore, he holds the distinction of being the youngest man to captain an international side and the fastest to reach 100 ODI wickets. He showcased his remarkable skills in Test cricket as well, playing a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s wins against Ireland and Bangladesh, taking crucial wickets and contributing with the bat.
Rashid’s impact extended beyond international cricket. During his five-season stint with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, he proved to be an indispensable asset to the team. With an impressive tally of 93 wickets at an economy rate of 6.33, he established himself as a cornerstone of the franchise. Following his move to the Gujarat Titans in 2022, Rashid continued to display his prowess, leading the team to victory with his exceptional performance and claiming 19 wickets throughout the season.
Rashid Khan Arman’s journey from Afghanistan’s first global superstar to becoming one of the greatest T20 bowlers is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers. His unwavering dedication, skill, and consistency have not only brought immense success to his team but have also earned him a prominent place in the hearts of cricket fans worldwide.
