Most runs for Afghanistan in ODIs – Mohammad Nabi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz jostle for position among top 9

Jonhenry Wilson 25 Feb 2025

Mohammad Nabi is among Afghanistan's top run-scorers in ODI cricket.

Afghanistan is a team on the rise.

Ten years ago, they were a small-time affiliate nation; now they are rubbing shoulders with the world’s most powerful cricket nations, one of the eight top sides qualified to play at the ICC Champions Trophy.

It has been a rapid rise to the top for the Asian side, but who are the players that have been instrumental in helping them get there?

Let’s look at the top nine highest run-scorers for Afghanistan in ODIs.

9. Ibrahim Zadran – 1,457 runs | Average: 47.00

Still just 23 years old, Zadran is currently part of the Afghanistan squad doing duty at the Champions Trophy. A promising young batter, he’s already shown his ability to build big innings with a highest score of 162.

His impressive average of 47.00 demonstrates his consistency and his potential to become a mainstay in Afghanistan’s batting lineup for years to come.

8. Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 1,779 runs | Average: 38.67

A dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is currently one of the big names in Afghanistan cricket alongside his team-mate Rashid Khan.

He has been a game-changer at the top of the order with a highest score of 151 and eight centuries to his name. His aggressive style and ability to score quickly have made him one of Afghanistan’s most exciting talents and a sought-after player on the T20 circuit.

7. Samiullah Shinwari – 1,811 runs | Average: 29.20

A reliable middle-order batter, Samiullah Shinwari played a crucial role during Afghanistan’s early years in international cricket. His ability to anchor innings and finish games under pressure was invaluable.

Still playing but no longer part of the national set-up Shinwari played 70 ODI innings before recording his first duck – only one player, current umpire and former Sri Lanka all-rounder Kumar Dharmasena, went more with 72.

Also read: Most runs in career in ODIs – can anyone beat Sachin Tendulkar?

6. Najibullah Zadran – 2,060 runs | Average: 29.01

An explosive left-handed batter, Najibullah Zadran has been a consistent performer for Afghanistan. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the middle overs has provided the team with much-needed firepower.

Zadran played his last ODI for Afghanistan in 2023 against India.

5. Hashmatullah Shahidi – 2,375 runs | Average: 33.45

Afghanistan’s current skipper Shahidi is one of Afghanistan’s most dependable batters. Known for his calmness under pressure and his ability to play long innings he has been crucial in stabilizing Afghanistan’s batting order.

Although he has yet to reach three figures, his highest score is 97* and he has gone past the 50-run mark on 22 occasions in 88 innings.

4. Asghar Afghan – 2,424 runs | Average: 24.73

A former captain and one of the most influential figures in Afghan cricket, Asghar Afghan played a vital role in shaping the team’s aggressive mindset.

His leadership and experience were key to Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket. Now on the wrong side of 37, Asghar Afghan played his last ODI in 2021.

3. Mohammad Shahzad – 2,727 runs | Average: 33.66

A flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter, Mohammad Shahzad entertained fans with his aggressive stroke play.

His ability to take on world-class bowlers and score quickly at the top of the order made him a crucial player for Afghanistan and a revered player on the associate circuit where he played lots of his cricket. With a highest score of 131* Shahzad scored six centuries and 14 fifties.

2. Mohammad Nabi – 3,626 runs | Average: 27.26

Afghanistan’s most experienced all-rounder, Mohammad Nabi has been a backbone of the team. His contributions with both bat and ball have been instrumental in Afghanistan’s success on the global stage.

Still playing and featuring for Afghanistan at the ongoing Champions Trophy, most recently against South Africa, Nabi is now on the wrong side of 40. His highest ODI score is 136 and he has twice reached three figures.

1. Rahmat Shah – 3,959 runs | Average: 35.66

Afghanistan’s highest run-scorer in ODIs, Rahmat Shah has been a pillar of consistency. His ability to build an innings and play responsibly has made him Afghanistan’s most reliable batter.

Still going strong Shah was batting at four in Afghanistan’s most recent ODI, where he posted a brave 90 runs from 92 balls against South Africa at the Champions Trophy. Shah’s highest score for Afghanistan is 114 and he has gone past the three figure mark on five occasions.