In the cricketing world, where experience often serves as a yardstick for success, Afghanistan emerges as a unique force, ready to defy expectations and create ripples. As they prepare to face Sri Lanka in their maiden Test match, Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, exudes confidence, emphasizing their team’s bravery and readiness for any challenges that lie ahead.
Sri Lanka, with players boasting 100, 88, 76, and 51 Tests under their belts, appears more seasoned on paper compared to Afghanistan, who have played only seven Tests and are likely to introduce debutants in the upcoming match. Despite this apparent discrepancy, Shahidi remains undaunted, acknowledging the experience gap but asserting the courage and preparedness of his team.
“If it comes to experience, their team is more experienced than ours,” Shahidi acknowledged. “They have a lot of guys who have played Test cricket for more than ten years. I will still not say we are not good enough. We are brave, and we are ready for every kind of challenge.”
This bravery is not unfounded, especially considering Afghanistan’s recent performances, where they stood on nearly equal footing with Sri Lanka in ODIs. Winning two out of five ODIs played in Sri Lanka since 2022, Afghanistan displayed their prowess. The World Cup encounter further solidified their credentials, delivering a comprehensive seven-wicket victory in Pune, a result that contributed to Sri Lanka’s exclusion from the Champions Trophy in 2025, a tournament for which Afghanistan has successfully qualified.
Shahidi remains optimistic about their chances against Sri Lanka in the Test format, stating, “Of course, we can win against Sri Lanka. I’m not going to sit here and think negatively about my team.” He emphasizes the strength of the Afghan nation, citing their recent World Cup performance as proof of their cricketing capabilities. The captain urges the team to focus on winning in Sri Lanka, emphasizing that they are not merely participants but contenders with a strong will to succeed.
The absence of their premier spinner, Rashid Khan, recovering from back surgery, poses a significant challenge. Khan has been Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker in Tests, with an impressive record of 34 wickets at an average of 22.35. Shahidi, however, expresses confidence in the spin options available, highlighting the potential of Zia-ur-Rehman, Zahir Khan, and Qais Ahmad to fill the void left by Khan. He lauds their work ethic and hopes for a stellar performance from these spinners in the upcoming Test.
As Afghanistan navigates the early stages of their Test cricket journey, a noticeable lopsidedness exists in their bowling attack. Spinners have accounted for 78 of their wickets at an average of 30.21, while seamers have contributed only 24 wickets at an average of 37.04. Shahidi recognizes the need for improvement in this area and sees it as an opportunity for growth.
“If we play [and get] more opportunities we will know more about the game. In the last game, we were struggling with the fast-bowling department. If we want to be a good Test nation, we need to have fast bowlers,” Shahidi asserts. The team has brought in fast bowlers for this tour, aiming to bolster this aspect of their game. The captain is optimistic about their prospects and underscores the team’s commitment to continuous improvement.
As Afghanistan steps into uncharted territory with their Test match against Sri Lanka, their captain’s words echo a resilient spirit and a determination to carve a niche for themselves in the world of Test cricket. The upcoming match not only marks a historic moment for Afghanistan but also serves as a testament to their cricketing evolution and their unwavering belief in the face of formidable opponents.