Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Afghanistan’s Explosive Wicketkeeper-Batsman – Career, Teams, and Unforgettable Moments
**Let's Begin**
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is one of the most promising emerging stars in world cricket. Known for his aggressive batting style and explosive performances, Gurbaz has swiftly become a vital player for Afghanistan and different franchise teams globally. This blog digs deep into his career, his teams, and the five most unexpected and unforgettable situations that have defined his journey thus far.
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## **Who Is Rahmanullah Gurbaz?**
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a 22-year-old Afghan cricketer who plays as a wicketkeeper-batsman. Born on **November 28, 2001**, in **Khost, Afghanistan**, he made his international debut in **2019** and has since been an important component of Afghanistan’s batting lineup in all forms.
### **Teams He Represents** Gurbaz plays for many teams across different leagues: - **International:** Afghanistan (ODIs, T20Is, Tests) - **Indian Premier League (IPL):** Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) - **Caribbean Premier League (CPL):** Guyana Amazon Warriors
- **International League T20 (ILT20):** Desert Vipers - **Pakistan Super League (PSL):** Islamabad United
### **Afghanistan Cricket Team: How Many Players?**
The Afghanistan national cricket team now boasts a **25-member squad** across forms, with players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman being the most experienced. Gurbaz is among the budding talents anticipated to lead the club in the future.
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## **5 Most Memorable & Shocking Moments of Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s Career**
### **1. Record-Breaking T20I Century vs. Ireland (2022) – Fastest for Afghanistan** ** Date:** February 10, 2022 ** Venue:** Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Dehradun
Gurbaz introduced himself on the world scene with a scorching **127 off 52 balls** against Ireland, establishing the record for the **fastest T20I century by an Afghan batsman (50 balls)**. His innings contained **10 sixes and 8 fours**, helping Afghanistan post a staggering **236/5**.
**Why It Was Shocking?** - He was just **20 years old** at the time.
- Broke Mohammad Shahzad’s record for the highest T20I score by an Afghan.
- Showcased his ability to dominate from the opening ball.
### **2. IPL Debut for Kolkata Knight Riders (2023) – Immediate Impact** ** Date:** April 6, 2023 ** Venue:** Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Gurbaz was signed by **Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)** as a substitute for **Alex Hales** in **IPL 2023**. In his first encounter against **Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)**, he hit a quickfire **57 off 44 balls**, demonstrating his quality straightaway.
**Why It Was Memorable?**
- Became the **first Afghan player to score a fifty on IPL debut**.
- Showed he could manage pressure in the world’s toughest T20 competition.
- Earned acclaim from legends like **Gautam Gambhir** and **Sunil Gavaskar**.
### **3. Controversial Run-Out in CPL 2023 – Spirit of Cricket Debate** ** Date:** September 3, 2023 ** Venue:** Providence Stadium, Guyana
Playing for **Guyana Amazon Warriors** in **CPL 2023**, Gurbaz was controversially run out by **Trinbago Knight Riders’** bowler **Akeal Hosein** when backing up too far. The expulsion prompted a **huge debate** on the **"Spirit of Cricket."**
**Why It Was Shocking?** - Gurbaz was enraged, waving at Hosein before going off.
- Fans and experts were divided—some deemed it fair, others unsportsmanlike.
- The event went viral, with many connecting it to the **"Mankading"** controversy.
### **4. Match-Winning Knock against. Sri Lanka at Asia Cup 2023** **Date:** September 5, 2023 ** Venue:** Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
In a must-win **Asia Cup 2023** game, Gurbaz played a key **84 off 88 balls** against **Sri Lanka**, enabling Afghanistan chase a competitive total. His innings comprised **6 fours and 4 sixes**, but Afghanistan barely lost by **2 runs** in a thriller.
**Why It Was Memorable?**
- Proved he could execute under pressure in ODIs.
- Showed maturity beyond his years in a high-stakes battle.
- Despite the defeat, his innings was hailed by cricket analysts.
### **5. Explosive 80 vs. England in T20 World Cup 2022 – Announcing Himself on the Biggest Stage** ** Date:** October 22, 2022 ** Venue:** Perth Stadium, Australia
In a **T20 World Cup 2022** match against **England**, Gurbaz hit **80 off 57 balls**, including **8 fours and 4 sixes**, against a world-class bowling attack comprising **Mark Wood, Sam Curran, and Chris Woakes**.
**Why It Was Shocking?**
- Afghanistan lost, but Gurbaz’s courageous batting stood out.
- Outshone talents like **Jos Buttler** and **Alex Hales** in the same match.
- Announced himself as a potential superstar in ICC events.
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## **Conclusion: The Future of Rahmanullah Gurbaz**
At barely **22**, Rahmanullah Gurbaz has already reached milestones many athletes dream of. With his brave hitting, precise wicketkeeping, and ability to execute in key occasions, he is destined to be one of Afghanistan’s best cricketers.
As he continues to thrive in tournaments like the **IPL, CPL, and PSL**, the globe can expect even more pyrotechnics from this young sensation. Whether it’s shattering records, igniting discussions, or playing match-winning innings, Gurbaz is a name cricket fans will hear for years to come.
Would you prefer any further details or a special focus on his stats or future predictions? Let me know! 🏏🔥