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The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, scheduled to begin on December 26, 2024, in Bulawayo. The squad includes the much-anticipated return of star spinner Rashid Khan, who is set to make his comeback to Test cricket after a break of over three years. His inclusion adds a significant boost to the team’s strength and strategy.
Rashid Khan returns to the longest format
Rashid, who last played a Test against Zimbabwe in March 2021 in Abu Dhabi, returns to the squad after recovering from a groin injury that kept him away from the longest format. Renowned as one of the top spinners in international cricket, Rashid’s previous Test performance saw him claim 11 wickets. His return is expected to enhance Afghanistan’s bowling attack and provide a major advantage in the series.
New faces in the outfit
The team features seven uncapped players, reflecting Afghanistan’s focus on promoting young talent. Among the new names are all-rounder Ismat Alam, left-arm spinner Zahir Shehzad, and fast bowler Bashir Ahmad Afghan, all of whom have showcased promising performances in domestic cricket. Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Riaz Hassan, and Sediqullah Atal are also included, awaiting their Test debuts. This mix of experienced players and fresh talent signals a forward-looking approach by the selectors as they aim to shape a competitive side for the series and beyond.
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Captaincy and leadership
Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the team as captain, with Rahmat Shah as his deputy. Shahidi, known for his calm demeanor and leadership qualities, will look to guide Afghanistan through this series, aiming for a positive result to further enhance Afghanistan’s standing in Test cricket.
Afghanistan squad for the Zimbabwe Tests
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Ikram Alikhail (wk), Afsar Zazai (wk), Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Baheer Shah Mahboob, Ismat Alam, Azmatullah Omarzai, Zahir Khan, Zia Ur Rehman Akbar, Zahir Shehzad, Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad Afghan, Naveed Zadran, and Fareed Ahmad Malik
