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Afghanistan Cricket Board’s Selection Committee has announced a 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka that commences from June 2. Apart from the 15 names, the board also released the list of four reserve players. Notably, the Afghan side on the tour will be led by experienced Hashmatullah Shahidi.
The team also features three bowlers that are currently ranked inside the top ten list of Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings, namely Rashid Khan, Mujib ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi. While Rashid sits at the sixth spot, Mujib and Nabi are placed on the eighth and tenth positions. The trio will be accompanied by Fazalhaq Farooqi and spinner Noor Ahmed.
On the other hand, young all-rounder Abdul Rahman has also been recalled in the national set-up after some impressive performances in Afghanistan’s domestic One Day Competition. Meanwhile, Shahidullah Kamal, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Akbar and Gulbadin Naib are among the reserves.
It is noteworthy that Afghanistan have already qualified for the 50-over World Cup scheduled in India later this year and will look to prepare themselves for the ICC event when they tour Sri Lanka.
Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Mirwais Ashraf believes his side has potential in the form of young players and will look to gain experience for the upcoming World Cup.
“It’s good to have a couple of young faces for the series; the build-up for the ICC Cricket World Cup has already begun, and we are looking for every possible opportunity to build a good combination of the team and prepare them well for the event,” Ashraf was quoted saying by ICC.
Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhail (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujib ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Abdul Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Farid Ahmad Malik.
Reserves: Gulbadin Naib, Shahidullah Kamal, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia ur Rahman Akbar
Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka 2023 schedule:
- First ODI: June 2 at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota
- Second ODI: June 4 at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota
- Third ODI: June 7 at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota
