As Afghanistan prepares to face New Zealand in a landmark one-off Test match in Greater Noida, India, starting Monday, excitement is building around the potential of two young Afghan batters: Riaz Hassan and Bahir Shah. Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, known for his insightful observations, has highlighted the duo as key players who could significantly impact Afghanistan’s future in Test cricket.
Ashwin, a veteran of the game, took to social media platform X to share his enthusiasm, comparing the young Afghans to former Indian cricketing icons Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif, who played pivotal roles in India’s success in the early 2000s. He believes Hassan and Shah have the potential to stabilize Afghanistan’s batting lineup, which has largely relied on experienced players like Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah.
“This one-off Test will be fun to watch. We know Afghanistan produces insane talent, but the one area of solidity and stability they need is from their batting department,” Ashwin wrote. “They have Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah oozing class, but not much else to follow, and that is why I am excited to see what Riaz Hassan and Bahir Shah have to offer.”
Ashwin emphasized the duo’s impressive first-class averages, both exceeding 55, a strong indicator of their potential to translate their domestic success to the international stage. “Both of them are promising, and their first-class averages are in excess of 55. The first signs of India’s strong future came via @YUVSTRONG12 and @MohammadKaif in the 2000’s as they came through the U-19’s,” Ashwin added.
Riaz Hassan, at 22, has already played five ODIs for Afghanistan, scoring 120 runs at an average of 30. However, his first-class record is even more impressive, with 901 runs in 18 innings at an average of 56.31, including three centuries and three fifties.
Bahir Shah, who is 24, made his Test debut against Bangladesh last year, but his first-class career is equally noteworthy, having accumulated 3,254 runs at an average of 59.16 from 69 innings, including 10 centuries and 14 half-centuries. While he only managed seven runs in his lone Test innings, his domestic form suggests he has the potential for greater success at the highest level.
“These two players could give us a sneak peek into what Afghanistan may go on to accomplish in the next decade or so,” Ashwin added.
As Afghanistan faces New Zealand in this historic match, all eyes will be on Riaz Hassan and Bahir Shah. Fans and cricket enthusiasts alike will be eager to witness whether these promising players can translate their domestic prowess to the international stage, providing Afghanistan with the batting strength necessary for sustained success in Test cricket.
