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As the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023 approaches, Afghanistan have unveiled their 17-member squad for the tournament set to kick off on August 30. The Asia Cup will see teams competing in matches held across Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and the Afghan side is gearing up for the challenge with a well-rounded selection.
Karim Janat’s Remarkable Comeback
In a surprising twist, all-rounder Karim Janat makes a triumphant return to Afghanistan’s ODI side. Janat’s last appearance in the ODI format dates back to February 2017 when he faced Zimbabwe. Since then, he has focused on the T20I format, where he has been a consistent performer.
Janat’s standout moment came in the T20I series against Bangladesh earlier this year, where he secured a hat-trick in the first match. Additionally, he marked his Test debut against Bangladesh earlier in 2023, showcasing his versatility across formats.
Also READ: AB de Villiers voices disappointment over Yuzvendra Chahal’s exclusion from India’s Asia Cup 2023 squad
Omarzai and Momand Miss Out
Notably absent from the Asia Cup squad are Azmatullah Omarzai and Wafadar Momand. Omarzai, who had displayed promise, unfortunately sustained a side strain during the series against Pakistan, leading to his exclusion from the squad. His absence will be felt, but the team’s focus remains on performing at their best in the upcoming tournament.
Leadership and Familiar Names
Hashmatullah Shahidi will continue to lead the Afghanistan squad, bringing his experience and leadership skills to the forefront. The squad boasts familiar names that have been integral to the team’s performances. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, and Rashid Khan are among the key players who will be pivotal in shaping the team’s fortunes in the Asia Cup.
Also READ: Pakistan makes a big change to their Asia Cup 2023 squad after whitewashing Afghanistan
Campaign Starts Against Bangladesh
Afghanistan find themselves in Group B of the Asia Cup, and their campaign is set to commence on September 3 in Lahore against Bangladesh. With a well-balanced squad, Afghanistan aims to make a strong start to the tournament.
Afghanistan Squad for Asia Cup 2023:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Abdul Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Suliman Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi
