Huge blow for Afghanistan as star batter with over 5000 runs ruled out of third ODI vs Bangladesh and Zimbabwe Test due to calf injury

Afghanistan's experienced middle-order batter Rahmat Shah has been ruled out of the third ODI against Bangladesh and the upcoming one-off Test against Zimbabwe due to a high-grade calf tear sustained during the second ODI against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi.

The star batter was retired hurt during his short stay at the crease in the second ODI against Bangladesh. He is now ruled out of international cricket for several weeks.

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"Rahmat Shah has been ruled out of international cricket for several weeks after straining his left calf muscles while batting at the second ODI match against Bangladesh on October 11 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi," the Afghanistan Cricket Board said in a statement.

It added, "Reports from the team physio indicate that Rahmat has sustained a high-grade calf tear that will need an extended rehabilitation process of several weeks. ACB's medical team is consulting overseas specialists to ensure he receives the best possible care and rehabilitation. The ACB medical team will continue to monitor his recovery and provide updates as necessary."

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Rahmat returned to crease

After getting retired hurt, Rahmat returned to the crease to bat after Afghanistan lost their ninth wicket be managed to stand for one ball. Team physio Nirmalan Thanabalasingam ran out to help Rahmat, who couldn't even stand, and the paramedics took him off the ground in a wheelchair.

Rahmat's international runs

Notably, Shah has played 11 Tests and 125 ODIs for Afghanistan, where he managed to score 4035 and 970 runs respectively, including three Test and five ODI centuries. He also represented Afghanistan in 1 T20I, scoring three runs. The third ODI between Afghanistan and Bangladesh will take place on October 14, and the one-off Test will take place from October 20.