Afghanistan is producing match winning cricketers off late with the likes of Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan making a name for themselves in the international circuit. However, a name doing the rounds is 18-year-old Baheer Shah, who currently averages 121.77 in first-class cricket. The teenager has over taken legendary batsman Don Bradman’s average, which is astonishing.
Shah racked up 256 not out in his debut innings, the second highest debut score of all time.
He didn’t just stop there. He smashed his first triple-century five innings later and became the second youngest first-class triple centurion, behind Pakistan’s Javed Miandad.
“That was an unforgettable moment for me,” Baheer said. “I stayed at the wicket for two days, staying very comfortable. I worked on my fitness before the tournament, and the coaches taught me how to bat well. For everyone whenever they get the best score in their life it’s a very enjoyable, exciting moment.” After four matches, Baheer has 831 runs in six innings, eclipsing Bill Ponsford’s record of 741.
Now, playing in the under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, Baheer has already hit a century. “I’ve started very well in the warm-up matches in Napier,” he said. “They were good sides with first-class players, but we played four matches and won all four. It’s a very good chance for every youngster to promote his career so I’m trying very hard to have a good performance in this World Cup.”