DUBAI: Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah has etched his name in cricket history, becoming the first player from his nation to break into the top 10 of any ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings category. Following a stellar performance against Zimbabwe in Sharjah, Shah surged to seventh among Test batters.

The 33-year-old’s impressive knock of 173 in the opening Test saw him climb six places, achieving a career-best rating. This significant rise places him ahead of established international stars like India’s Shubman Gill, South Africa’s Aiden Markram, and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis. This marks his fifth Test century and second of the year, underscoring a period of remarkable growth for Afghanistan cricket.

His achievement comes as Afghanistan cricket continues its upward trajectory. Earlier this month, the team reached its highest-ever position in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, securing sixth place after a successful tri-series involving Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. This consistent performance highlights Afghanistan's growing influence on the global cricketing stage.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s Craig Ervine also saw a substantial jump, moving nine places to 48th after his unbeaten double-century in the drawn Sharjah Test. Other notable movements included West Indies’ Kavem Hodge and Bangladesh’s Towhid Hridoy climbing the batting ranks, while West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican made significant strides in the bowling and all-rounder categories after his Player of the Series performance against Bangladesh.

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