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Rashid Khan Led Afghanistan To Maiden Test Victory On Captaincy Debut On This Day

Afghanistan beat Bangladesh to claim maiden Test victory in 2019 (X.com)Afghanistan beat Bangladesh to claim maiden Test victory in 2019 (X.com)

On September 9, 2019, Rashid Khan, the young spin sensation, led Afghanistan to their first-ever Test match victory with a remarkable all-round performance against Bangladesh in Chattogram. The triumph was even more special as the historic Test marked Rashid's debut as captain. 

Afghanistan faced Bangladesh in the only Test of the tour on a challenging pitch of Chattogram that heavily assisted spinners. Rashid Khan, leading the team as the youngest Test captain ever at the age of 20, set a new bar in Afghanistan's cricketing history with a remarkable all-round performance.

Batting first, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 342 runs, with Rahmat Shah scoring a brilliant century, the first-ever in Afghanistan's Test history. Rashid contributed with a vital 51 runs lower down the order.

When Afghanistan scripted history with maiden Test win!

However, it was with the ball that Rashid Khan made the most impact. In the first innings, he claimed five wickets for 55 runs, bowling with exceptional control and variation, which bamboozled the Bangladeshi batters. 

His leg-spin, mixed with googlies, proved too much for Bangladesh, who were bowled out for 205. This gave Afghanistan a substantial lead. 

In the second innings, Rashid continued his dominance. He scored a quick 24 runs that pushed the target beyond Bangladesh's reach. 

With Bangladesh needing 398 to win, Rashid once again wreaked havoc with his spin, claiming six wickets for 49 runs. He became the first Afghan bowler to take a 10-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Afghanistan ultimately bowled out Bangladesh for 173, winning the match by 224 runs. Rashid's match figures of 11/104, along with his contributions with the bat, earned him the Player of the Match award. 

Rashid Khan makes himself unavailable for Tests

In the latest setback to Afghanistan cricket, star all-rounder Rashid Khan has made himself unavailable from the Test format until November, citing fitness issues.

Rashid underwent back surgery last year, which requires timely maintenance. Hence, his medical team has advised him to ditch the longer format and manage his workload to avoid a relapse of the gruesome injury.