Rahmat Shah Makes History as Afghanistan's First Top 10 ICC Test Batter

Rahmat Shah has made history by becoming the first Afghan cricketer to break into the ICC Men's Player Rankings top 10 for Test batters. Following an impressive 173 runs against Zimbabwe, he climbed to seventh place, marking a significant achievement for Afghanistan cricket. This milestone comes as the team also reached its highest-ever ODI ranking. The article explores Shah's journey, the impact on Afghanistan cricket, and notable movements in the rankings of other players, including those from Zimbabwe and the West Indies. Discover more about this historic moment in cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 11, 2026, 23:56 IST

Historic Achievement for Afghanistan's Rahmat Shah

New Delhi [India] - November 11: Rahmat Shah, the captain of the Afghanistan cricket team, has made a remarkable milestone by becoming the first player from Afghanistan to enter the top 10 of any category in the ICC Men’s Player Rankings. This achievement follows his outstanding performance in the opening Test against Zimbabwe held in Sharjah, as reported by the ICC.

Shah surged six spots to claim the seventh position in the latest Test batter rankings after scoring an impressive 173 runs in the first match of Afghanistan's two-Test series against Zimbabwe. At 33 years old, he also reached a career-high rating following this innings.

This innings marked his fifth Test century and his second of the year. Rahmat surpassed several notable players, including India's captain Shubman Gill, South Africa's Aiden Markram, and Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis, to secure his place in the top 10 for the first time.

This accomplishment adds to a successful phase for Afghanistan cricket, which recently achieved its highest-ever ranking of sixth in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings after winning a tri-series against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh earlier this month.

Zimbabwe's Craig Ervine also made significant strides in the Test batter rankings, moving up nine places to 48th after his unbeaten double-century in the second innings of the drawn Test in Sharjah.

Additionally, the conclusion of the ICC World Test Championship series between Bangladesh and the West Indies resulted in gains for several players. West Indies' Kavem Hodge rose 12 places to 52nd, while Bangladesh's Towhid Hridoy climbed from outside the top 100 to 60th. West Indies batter Amir Jangoo also advanced 28 places to 62nd.

In the Test bowling rankings, West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican achieved a career-high rating, moving up 11 places to tie for 19th after his Player of the Series performance. He also gained four spots to reach 31st in the Test all-rounders' rankings.

His teammate Justin Greaves moved up one position to tie for eighth in the Test all-rounders' rankings following a strong series.

There were also significant changes in the ODI rankings after the first two matches of the ongoing series between India and New Zealand, with three Indian bowlers improving their standings.

India's all-rounder Axar Patel climbed 23 places to 21st in the ODI bowling rankings after impressive figures of 2/28 in the second match in Wellington. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh moved up 11 places to tie for 31st after his four-wicket haul in the series opener in Auckland.

India pacer Gurnoor Brar, currently the leading wicket-taker in the series with seven wickets, made a significant leap from outside the top 100 to 48th in the ODI bowling rankings.

New Zealand seamers Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson also improved their rankings, with Duffy climbing eight places to 43rd and Jamieson advancing 24 places to 60th.