In a historic match, Saleem Safi has etched his name in cricket history, becoming the first Afghan bowler to take five wickets against India in Test matches. This milestone occurred during the ongoing Test at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.
Saleem Safi’s Groundbreaking Performance
During India’s first innings, which finished at 564 for 8, Saleem secured six wickets, finishing with impressive figures of 6 for 140. His notable performance included the crucial wickets of prominent players like Shubman Gill, who scored a century.
Though Saleem faced challenges in his initial Test against Sri Lanka, his turnaround in this match demonstrates his resilience and potential as a fast bowler. He made a significant impression, showcasing skills that highlight his promising cricketing future.
Background on Saleem Safi
Saleem Safi, born on September 9, 2002, in Kabul, Afghanistan, has quickly risen through the ranks of Afghan cricket. His journey began in domestic cricket, where he debuted for Kunduz Province in 2019. He is a right-arm pacer known for his speed and movement.
His international career commenced with his selection for Afghanistan’s Test squad during the Zimbabwe series in 2021. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Bangladesh in July 2023 and played his first T20I match against India in January 2024, before his Test debut against Sri Lanka in February 2024.
Saleem Safi’s Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Innings | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Bowling | Four Wicket Hauls | Five Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 2 | 2 | 6 | 30 | 4.84 | 6/123 | 0 | 1 |
| ODI | 2 | 2 | 0 | – | 6.77 | 0/34 | 0 | 0 |
| T20I | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 14.33 | 0/43 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 5 | 5 | 6 | 48.83 | 5.8 | 6/123 | 0 | 1 |
As his career progresses, Saleem Safi has the potential to become a premier fast bowler for Afghanistan. His landmark achievement against India marks a crucial step in his journey and promises greater accomplishments in the future.
