Rahmat Shah Suffers Calf Injury, Likely Ruled Out of ODI Series Against Bangladesh

Afghanistan’s experienced batter Rahmat Shah is "most likely" out of the ongoing ODI series against Bangladesh after suffering a calf injury during the second ODI in Abu Dhabi. According to team physio Nirmalan Thanabalasingam, the injury appears serious, and Rahmat is expected to be sidelined for an extended period.

Rahmat first picked up the injury in the 15th over of Afghanistan’s innings while attempting a single. After turning sharply on his heel, he appeared to be in discomfort and retired hurt while batting on 9. His attempt to return later in the innings, after the fall of the ninth wicket, ended in disappointment as he lasted just one delivery before collapsing in visible pain.

By the time physio Thanabalasingam rushed onto the field, Rahmat was unable to stand. Paramedics eventually took him off the field in a wheelchair, clutching his left calf.

“He unfortunately succumbed to his injury, so he is out now,” Thanabalasingam confirmed. “We will do all the right things in terms of imaging tomorrow. He is going to be out for some time, I think.”

Rahmat’s absence was felt keenly in Afghanistan’s batting line-up. Coming into the match on the back of a crucial half-century in the first ODI — an innings that made him the first Afghanistan batter to reach 4000 ODI runs — his early exit disrupted the team’s middle order. Only opener Ibrahim Zadran offered any real resistance, as the rest of the batting unit struggled against disciplined Bangladesh bowling.

When Rahmat bravely returned to the crease late in the innings, he was greeted with applause from fans at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. However, his comeback was cut short. Facing Rishad Hossain’s googly, Rahmat missed the delivery and was struck in the abdomen. He fell to the ground immediately and, despite help from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, could not continue. Afghanistan were bowled out for 190 in 44.5 overs.

The injury is a significant blow to Afghanistan as they look to bounce back in the series, with Rahmat’s experience and stability in the middle order proving irreplaceable. Further assessments will determine the exact length of his recovery.