Who is Saleem Safi? Meet the first Afghan pacer to claim five wickets against India

In 2020, the young, virtually unknown fast bowler sat down for an interview with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and made a devastating admission. “I started playing cricket about a year ago, but due to severe economic and financial difficulties, I am struggling to move forward,” admitted Mohammad Saleem Safi. “However, I still put a lot of effort into my cricket. Cricket is very special to me.”

Fast forward to a lone Test match in 2026 in New Chandigarh and this raw, financially strapped dreamer has made a permanent mark in cricket history. On a flat, unforgiving surface where a formidable Indian batting line-up amassed a colossal 564/8 before declaring, Saleem emerged as Afghanistan’s best warrior.

IND vs AFG, TEST DAY 2 ONLY: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD

OVERCOMING A TURBULENT START

The 23-year-old quick battled through the grueling conditions to tear through the hosts to finish with a sensational 6/140 in 27 overs – becoming the first Afghan bowler to take five wickets (and six for) against India in Test history.

Saleem’s journey to this milestone required immense courage. Coming from Baghlan province, his career got off to a turbulent start; he went completely wicketless in his first four international appearances, including a heartbreaking Test debut against Sri Lanka that was cut short by injury. Yet under the blazing Mullanpur sun, Saleem’s engine finally roared to life. He worked at high pace with the second new ball and turned the one-sided batting display into his personal showcase.

A TECTONIC SHIFT IN AFGHANISTAN CRICKET

This historic feat is no accident; rather, it represents a wider development within the country’s cricketing landscape. In an interview with the Tech Word News, former Pakistan pacer Naved-ul-Hasan highlighted the tectonic shift towards fast bowling in Afghanistan, crediting the country’s strong domestic fabric and ever-improving infrastructure.

“The world has only seen mysterious spinners coming out of Afghanistan, but now there has been a massive shift,” Naved-ul-Hasan said.

“There is an annual hunt for fast bowling talent and there are many players in the pipeline at U-19 and A-team level.”

BREAKING THE INDIAN BLOCKADE

The foundation for Saleem’s breakthrough was laid on Day 1 when he picked up prized wickets to dismiss Yashasvi Jaiswal and the dangerous Sai Sudharsan (81). But his peak moment came in the opening hour of the second morning.

Indian skipper Shubman Gill batted on a masterclass 126 and threatened to bat Afghanistan completely out of the match alongside Rishabh Pant (81). Saleem broke a punishing 169-run stand with an absolute peach. Lines it perfectly on a full length to channel outside off stump, pulling Gill forward before creating a fine enough outside movement to kiss the outside edge.

Shortly after, Saleem outwitted Dhruv Jurel with a piece of tactical brilliance. Jurel quickly moved to 19 with sharp shots to the other side of the goal. Anticipating the trajectory of the length, the Indian keeper offered a confident departure. To his shock, Saleem forced the ball to veer back in and smash the off-stump as Jurel stood frozen.

While sidekicks Ziaur Rahman and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi managed just one solitary wicket, Saleem continued to bowl long, exhausting spells. He capped off his historic performance by leading debutant Manav Suthar to seal his five-wicket haul before clean bowling Mohammed Siraj (22) to complete the six.

Saleem Safi’s life came full circle when he fell to his knees and touched the ground with his forehead in an emotional celebration. A boy who almost quit the sport because he couldn’t afford to play just walked off the field holding a match ball against the most imposing batsman in the world.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

07 Jun 2026 17:30 IST