January 6, 2025: Rashid Khan marked his triumphant return to Test cricket with a match-winning performance, guiding Afghanistan to a 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second and final Test at Queens Sports Club on Monday. The leg-spinner was awarded Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling, claiming 4/94 in the first innings and an outstanding 7/66 in the second to help Afghanistan seal the two-match series 1-0.
Reflecting on his performance, Rashid expressed immense gratitude for the team’s collective effort, especially considering his return to the longest format after a three-year hiatus due to back surgery. “After three years, back in Test cricket, it was hard for me to come back from back surgery and play the longest format,” Rashid said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “It is a team effort, the way they [the batters] delivered with the bat in the second innings—that got us back [in the game].”
Rashid particularly highlighted the contributions of Rahmat Shah and debutant Izmatullah, whose resilience in Afghanistan’s second innings laid the foundation for the team’s fightback. “When there is team effort, you have more chances of winning. The way Rahmat and Izmat batted, it was not easy, especially for Izmat getting out [on zero] on debut. The way he came back, got hit, but stood there—it was a great example of him wanting to be there at the end and bat for the country. He wants to take all the pressure on himself and he set the example,” Rashid noted.
The partnership between Rahmat and Izmat not only stabilized Afghanistan’s innings but set the stage for Rashid to showcase his brilliance with the ball, as the team made their way back into the contest.
“They gave us the chance to come back (later with the ball). It is about keeping it simple, making sure you adjust to the conditions and the situations,” Rashid added.
Transitioning back to red-ball cricket after three years away, particularly following surgery, was a challenge for Rashid. “I have not bowled much with the red ball, have not even touched it [in the last three years]. Tried to have belief [in what I have been doing for the last 10-12 years in international cricket],” he explained.
His discipline in adjusting his length to suit the conditions proved pivotal in dismantling Zimbabwe’s batting lineup. “Does not matter if I am bowling quicker or slower, but more about the length I bowl—that is what creates problems. I try to adjust to the conditions as quickly as I can,” Rashid said.
This victory not only showcased Rashid’s brilliance but also highlighted Afghanistan’s growing stature in Test cricket. The 1-0 series win, backed by Rahmat Shah’s Player of the Series performance, where he scored a double century in the first Test, marked another significant milestone for the team. Rashid’s heroics reaffirmed his reputation as one of the game’s premier match-winners.