Rahmat Shah Stretchered Off After Suffering Calf Injury

Afghanistan batter Rahmat Shah is “most likely” ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against Bangladesh due to a calf injury, as confirmed by team physio Nirmalan Thanabalasingam. Despite the injury, Rahmat attempted to come out and bat again after retiring hurt earlier, returning when Afghanistan lost their ninth wicket in the second ODI on Saturday.

However, he managed to face only one delivery before being unable to remain on his feet. Thanabalasingam rushed onto the field to assist Rahmat, who was unable to stand by then. Soon after, paramedics arrived and escorted him off the ground in a wheelchair.

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

Rahmat Forced To Retire Hurt After Aggravating Calf While Taking Quick Single

Rahmat Shah first showed signs of discomfort while attempting a quick single in the 15th over, having come in to bat at his usual No. 4 position. Although the shot appeared routine, the twist of his heel during the run seemed to aggravate his calf. Batting on nine at that moment, he visibly struggled to walk and eventually had to leave the field.

Afghanistan felt his absence deeply, especially after his crucial half-century in the first ODI, which also made him the first Afghanistan player to cross 4000 ODI runs. Without Rahmat, the middle order collapsed frequently, with only Ibrahim Zadran showing some resistance. Rahmat’s return to the crease later in the innings was met with loud applause from Afghan supporters in Abu Dhabi.

However, his comeback was brief. Facing just one delivery—a googly from Rishad Hossain—Rahmat was struck in the abdomen after missing the ball and collapsed instantly. Although Mehidy Hasan Miraz helped him to his feet, he was unable to continue, and Afghanistan’s innings wrapped up shortly after at 190 in 44.5 overs.