Rahmat Shah ruled out of third ODI versus Bangladesh, one-off Test match against Zimbabwe

Afghanistan’s experienced and dependable middle-order batter Rahmat Shah has been ruled out of the third and final ODI clash against Bangladesh and the subsequent Test match against Zimbabwe due to a leg injury, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Tuesday, October 14.

Rahmat has been sidelined from International cricket for several weeks after straining his left calf muscles while batting at the second ODI match against Bangladesh on Saturday, October 11, at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the board mentioned in a statement.

Reports from the team physio suggest that the right-handed batter has encountered a high-grade calf tear that will require an extended rehabilitation procedure of multiple weeks. ACB’s medical department is consulting overseas specialists to ensure he gets the best possible care and rehabilitation.

Afghanistan will square off against Bangladesh in their final ODI encounter on Tuesday at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The Blue Tigers have already won the series after defeating the Mehidy Hasan Miraz-led side in the first two matches comprehensively.

Rahmat scored a 70-ball 50 in the first ODI, hitting two boundaries. His knock was pivotal in helping Afghanistan chase down a 222-run target in 47.1 overs with five wickets to spare. In the second ODI, he had to retire hurt while batting on nine runs off 12 balls. The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side bowled out Bangladesh for 109, setting a target of 191 runs.

Wicketkeeper-batter Ikram Alikhil has come into the playing XI in place of Rahmat. Meanwhile, Bilal Sami has replaced Bashir Ahmad. Alikhil is playing his first ODI since the encounter against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club in December 2024.

Rahmat has played 125 ODIs and 11 Tests for Afghanistan. The 32-year-old has scored 970 and 4035 runs, respectively, across the two formats.

After the third ODI against Bangladesh, Afghanistan's one-off Test match against Zimbabwe will begin on Monday, October 20, in Harare.