New Delhi: Afghan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz made headlines on Monday (November 11) with a stellar performance in the third and final ODI against Bangladesh, held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Chasing a target of 245 runs, the 22-year-old right-hander delivered an exceptional innings, scoring 101 runs from 120 balls. His knock, featuring five boundaries and seven sixes, laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s successful chase, completed in 48.2 overs with five wickets to spare.
This powerful display helped Afghanistan clinch the series 2-1. Leading from the front, Gurbaz formed a game-changing 100-run partnership with Azmatullah Omarzai, who remained unbeaten with 70 runs off 77 balls, solidifying the Afghan side’s resilience after a shaky start.
In scoring his eighth ODI century, Gurbaz joined a select group of cricket legends. He equaled the iconic record of Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who also scored eight ODI centuries before turning 23. South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock is the only other player to have achieved this milestone at such a young age, positioning Gurbaz among cricket’s finest emerging talents.
Despite not being retained by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, Gurbaz’s performance has solidified his standing as a promising young cricketer, poised to attract attention from franchises eager to secure his dynamic skills.
Most ODI Centuries Before Age 23
| Player | Country | Centuries |
|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 8 |
| Quinton de Kock | South Africa | 8 |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Afghanistan | 8 |
| Virat Kohli | India | 7 |
| Upul Tharanga | Sri Lanka | 6 |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | 6 |
Youngest Batters to Reach 8 ODI Centuries
| Player | Country | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Quinton de Kock | South Africa | 22 years, 312 days |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Afghanistan | 22 years, 349 days |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 22 years, 357 days |
| Virat Kohli | India | 23 years, 27 days |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | 23 years, 280 days |
Match Summary
Bangladesh’s innings was led by veteran batter Mahmudullah, who top-scored with 98 runs off 98 balls, ably supported by stand-in captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 66 runs from 119 deliveries. Mehidy was captaining the side due to regular skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s absence, following a groin injury that ruled him out of the series decider.
Gurbaz’s heroics not only lifted Afghanistan from an early setback but also sealed the bilateral series for the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side. His boundary-laden innings and crucial fourth-wicket stand with Omarzai illustrated the Afghan team’s growing depth and composure in high-pressure chases, showcasing a talent that has Afghan cricket fans eager for the future.
