Afghanistan star cricketer Rashid Khan revealed that he was playing with a hamstring injury in the second ODI against South Africa at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah after his team registered their first-ever ODI series win against Proteas. For Afghanistan, birthday boy Rashid was the pick of the bowlers as he picked up a five-wicket haul which helped the hosts to beat Temba Bavuma & Co. by 177 runs.
Rashid made his comeback in the national side after missing the spot in the one-off Test match against New Zealand due to back injury issues. However, the Test match which was supposed to take place in Greater Noida was washed away due to wet outfield and persistent rains.
“Fifer after long time and I had a hamstring injury as well since a month, but I wanted to stay in the ground and help the team. It was a big opportunity for us to win an important series, so I wanted to contribute. I enjoy bowling with youngsters, I share my ideas with them and the best part is they listen and learn quickly. And now they have started to deliver. Great to see youngsters coming up and showcasing their talent. (On playing with a hamstring injury) We had a big opportunity to win a series and the love for the game pushes you to play, I thought I was able to bowl and stay on the field, good job done by the physio as well” said Rashid in post match conference.
With his five-wicket haul against South Africa, Rashid becomes the first-ever bowler in the history of cricket who picked up five wickets on his birthday. Earlier, former South Africa cricketer Vernon Philander picked four wickets against Ireland on his birthday in 2007. Apart from him, former England pacer Stuart Broad got a four-wicket haul on his birthday against Australia in 2010.
