- Tue, March 15, 2022
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The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced the squads for the white-ball leg of their Zimbabwe tour, comprising three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs). These matches will be played from December 11 to December 21, 2024, at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare.
Rising Stars Earn Call-Ups
The highlight of the squad announcement is the inclusion of Zubaid Akbari in the T20I team. The young left-handed batter has been rewarded for his outstanding domestic performances and his pivotal role in Afghanistan’s triumph at the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Asia Cup earlier this year. Akbari’s meteoric rise signals the selectors' focus on nurturing young talent.
Darwish Rasooli also returns to the T20I squad after an impressive domestic season. His leadership and contributions at the ACC Emerging Asia Cup were instrumental in Afghanistan's success, further solidifying his place as a reliable middle-order option.
Key Players and Injury Updates
Despite positive additions to the squad, Afghanistan will be without star batter Ibrahim Zadran, who is recovering from an ankle surgery in England. However, the team has welcomed back spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, fully recovered from a right phalanx sprain. His availability bolsters the bowling department across both formats.
Speaking on the team composition, ACB Interim Chief Selector Ahmad Shah expressed optimism: “It’s great to see Mujeeb fully fit. His skills are invaluable to our team. Players like Akbari and Rasooli are testament to our robust domestic structure and their performances on the international stage will be closely watched.”
CEO's Vision for a Successful Tour
ACB CEO Naseeb Khan reflected on a fruitful 2024 for Afghan cricket: “This year has been incredibly busy, but also rewarding for the ACB and our national team. Touring Zimbabwe has always been a challenging yet exciting experience. I am confident that the players selected will rise to the occasion and deliver exceptional performances.”
Khan also highlighted Afghanistan’s strong track record in Zimbabwe, pointing out the camaraderie and competitive spirit fostered by playing on foreign soil.
Adjusted Schedule to Boost Attendance
The white-ball matches have undergone a slight rescheduling to allow for better spectator turnout. The T20Is will now take place on December 11, 13, and 14, followed by ODIs on December 17, 19, and 21. All matches are set to be held at the Harare Sports Club, renowned for its challenging pitches and enthusiastic crowds.
Complete Squad List
T20I Squad:
Rashid Khan (Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Mohammad Ishaq (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Darwish Rasooli, Zubaid Akbari, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq.
ODI Squad:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Rahmat Shah (Vice-Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran, Farid Ahmad Malik.
Series Schedule
T20I Matches:
ODI Matches:
All matches will be played at Harare Sports Club. The tour will also feature two Test matches in Bulawayo, starting later in December.
A Crucial Tour Ahead
The Zimbabwe series presents an opportunity for Afghanistan to build on their successful 2024 campaign. With a blend of experienced players like Rashid Khan and emerging talents like Zubaid Akbari, the AfghanAtalan are poised to showcase their skills on the challenging Zimbabwean pitches.
Fans eagerly await the action-packed encounters as Afghanistan continues its journey of growth and excellence in international cricket.
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