Afghanistan become second-fastest team with a Test victory among full-member nations

The Afghans beat Ireland by seven wickets in Dehradun.

Published - 18 Mar 2019, 14:33 IST | Updated - 18 Mar 2019, 14:33 IST

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Back in 2017, Afghanistan got a Test status after becoming the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) full-member nation along with Ireland. It’s only a decade ago when they were crowned with One Day International status and ever since the team has grown leaps and bounds. The Afghans have undoubtedly given the best teams a run for their money and they promise a whole lot for the future.

Afghanistan played their maiden Test last year against India at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore in June under the leadership of Asghar Afghan. However, the team slumped to defeat by an innings and 262 runs. Recently, they had every reason to cheer as they managed to roll over Ireland in the one-off Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun by seven wickets.

A massive feat for Afghanistan

Subsequently, the hosts also registered their maiden victory in the format. Rahmat Shah was adjudged as the Player of the Match as he first churned out 98 and then 76 to help his team script a victory. Rashid Khan, who has been a revelation, became the first bowler in the country to pick up a five-wicket haul and the Nangarhar-born achieved the feat in the second innings.

With the triumph, Afghanistan also won their first Test in only two attempts. The home team joined the likes of England and Pakistan, who also got their maiden Test triumph in as many attempts. Australia are on top of the table with a victory in their first game way back in 1877.