Afghanistan have announced their 18-man squad for the highly-anticipated three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan. The team, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, boasts a star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rehman.
The ODI series is scheduled to commence on August 22 and will take place in Sri Lanka. The first two matches will be played in Hambantota, while the third ODI will be held in Colombo. With preparations underway for this crucial series, Afghanistan aim to fine-tune their squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and the ICC World Cup 2023.
The squad announcement has also witnessed the return of spin sensation Noor Ahmad, while uncapped leg-spinner Izharulhaq Naveed misses out on the opportunity to make his ODI debut. Noor’s exceptional talent and wicket-taking abilities will provide Afghanistan with an additional spin weapon, adding more depth to their bowling attack. His return also suggests that there was no room for left-arm spinner Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, who recently made his ODI debut against Bangladesh.
Despite being part of the Test squad, uncapped leg-spinner Izharulhaq did not find a spot in the ODI squad. The competition for places in the spin department has been intense, leading to Naveed’s exclusion from the final squad.
Fast bowlers Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand have retained their places in the ODI squad. Their consistent performances during the recent ODI tour to Bangladesh have earned them spots in the lineup, further strengthening Afghanistan’s pace attack.
Preparation for Asia Cup and ICC World Cup 2023: ACB Chief Selector Asadullah Khan
ACB Chief Selector Asadullah Khan highlighted the significance of the Pakistan series in preparing the team for two major upcoming events, the Asia Cup and the ICC World Cup 2023. The series provides a perfect platform for Afghanistan to hone their strategies and assess the players’ form and fitness ahead of these marquee tournaments.
“Our whole concentration is to prepare the team for the upcoming two big events of Asia Cup and the World Cup 2023. This three-match ODI series against Pakistan provides us with a wonderful opportunity to prepare the team for the forthcoming two events,” said Asadullah in a statement.
“The preparations for the Pakistan series are progressing well. The players have recently performed well in the Kabul Camp, which has been supervised by ACB’s HPC staff. The team will also undergo a week-long conditioning camp prior to the Pakistan series,” he added.
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Afghanistan ODI squad for Pakistan series: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand.
Reserves: Farid Ahmad Malik and Shahidullah Kamal.
