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Afghanistan are bracing themselves for a highly anticipated one-off Test match against Ireland, scheduled to take place from February 28 to March 3 at the Tolerance Oval in Abu Dhabi.
Hashmatullah Shahidi has been appointed as the captain of the squad, with Rahmat Shah serving as the deputy captain. This encounter holds particular significance as the two teams clashed in 2019, resulting in Afghanistan securing a seven-wicket victory, largely attributed to the outstanding seven-wicket haul by Rashid Khan.
Rashid Khan’s absence: Afghanistan’s test of character
However, Afghanistan faced a considerable challenge as Rashid is presently in recovery from a lower-back surgery, sidelining him from the upcoming action. Despite this setback, the team remains optimistic, introducing fresh talent into the Test format. The return of fast bowler Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai adds depth to the pace attack. Unfortunately, Yamin Ahmadzai and Mohammad Saleem Safi are ruled out due to injuries.
Youthful infusion: Afghanistan’s redemption quest
In a move to inject youth into the squad, Afghanistan has included Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a promising wicketkeeper-batter, and Khalil Gurbaz, a right-arm leg-spinner with an impressive domestic record, having taken 40 wickets in 17 innings. The team will be eager to redeem itself after a recent setback, having suffered a significant 10-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka. With determination to bounce back, Afghanistan aims to showcase resilience and competitive spirit in the upcoming contest against Ireland.
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Afghanistan top-choice playing XI for the One-Off Test against Ireland:
1. Openers:
- Noor Ali Zadran: An experienced opening batter, Noor Ali has a proven track record, known for his classical technique and the ability to anchor the innings. His calm and composed approach provides stability to Afghanistan’s top order.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk): A young and dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, Gurbaz is an aggressive stroke-maker at the top of the order. His fearless approach, combined with excellent glovework, makes him a valuable asset for Afghanistan.
2. Middle Order:
- Rahmat Shah (vc): Vice-captain Rahmat is a reliable number three batter with a solid technique. He has been a consistent performer, capable of building partnerships and stabilizing the middle order.
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c): Captain Hashmatullah is a seasoned middle-order batter and a leader on the field. Known for his resilience, Shahidi’s batting prowess and captaincy will be crucial for Afghanistan in the Test match.
- Ibrahim Zadran: A young and talented middle-order batter, Ibrahim possesses the ability to play long innings. His elegant strokeplay and composure under pressure make him a promising prospect for Afghanistan.
- Ikram Alikhail (wk): Alikhail, the wicketkeeper-batter, not only ensures stability behind the stumps but also has the potential to contribute valuable runs in the middle order, making him a dual threat for the opposition.
All-rounders:
- Karim Janat: Janat, a dynamic all-rounder, is known for his aggressive batting and effective pace bowling. His ability to make vital breakthroughs with the ball adds a crucial dimension to Afghanistan’s playing XI.
- Khalil Gurbaz: An emerging all-rounder, Gurbaz, brings aggression to both batting and bowling departments. His ability to play attacking cricket can change the course of the game.
Bowlers:
- Zahir Khan: Left-arm wrist spinner Zahir is a wicket-taking bowler, utilizing variations and spin to trouble the batter. His control over the ball and strategic bowling make him a key asset for Afghanistan in spin-friendly conditions.
- Zia Ur Rehman Akbar: A slow left arm orthodox, Zia Ur Rehman, adds quality spin to the bowling attack. His ability to spin the ball and generate extra turn can pose challenges for the Irish batters.
- Nijat Masoud: Nijat, a right arm medium bowler, adds depth to Afghanistan’s pace arsenal. His ability to extract bounce and control the game through his proper command over his line and length makes him a valuable asset for the team
