In a stunning development yesterday, Afghanistan‘s explosive batsman Shafiqullah Shafiq blasted an 89-ball double century in a first-class match being played in the domestic competition of Afghanistan. Batting in the second innings for the Kabul region, Shafiq slammed 200* in only 89 balls with the help of 22 sixes. The effort is the fastest first-class double century. 

In the 20th match of Afghanistan’s domestic tournament, Alokozay Ahmad Shah Abdali Tournament, Boost Regions was playing against the Kabul region. On the last day of the 4-day match, the Boost region got all out for 250, conceding the trail of 163 runs. The Kabul region did not have much of an aim to bat for which granted Shafiq the free license to go berserk and that he did.

Kabul Region struggled to start its innings well. At one stage, they were 59/3 in the 19th over. Shafiqullah came out to join Karim Janat. The batsman looked in a devilish mood and he slaughtered every bowler that came his way. Shafiq reached his century in just 52 balls. After reaching the landmark, he went into the 7th gear and smacked the next hundred runs in just 37 balls. 

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The last hour of the match had already begun when Shafiq was on the verge of his record-breaking double ton. The match was called off as soon as Shafiq reached the milestone. There were many a statistical record broken in the stormy innings.

The double century in 89 balls by Shafiq is –

Fastest in terms of the balls faced. Prev. record – 123 balls by Ravi Shastri and Aneurin Donald

Fastest in terms of minutes played. (Shafiq – 103) Prev. record – 113 minutes by Ravi Shastri

Most Sixes in a first-class match (Shafiq – 22 & 2) Prev. record – 23 by Coli Munro

(Stats courtesy – B.Sampath)

With Afghanistan slated to enter the Test playing area with a debut Test match against India in June at Bangalore, it will be interesting to see many more such talents on display.