Afghanistan’s senior cricket team has introduced two promising talents, mystery spinner Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar and left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Nangeyalia Kharote, for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Ireland in Sharjah. Both players previously represented Afghanistan in the Under-19 World Cup.
The absence of senior spinners Rashid Khan, recovering from back surgery, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, nursing a right phalanx sprain, has opened up opportunities for these young prospects.
ACB chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil stated, “Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman continue their recovery and are not available for selection. However, we have chosen talented youngsters like Nangeyalia Kharote and Bilal Sami. Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar showed exceptional skills during the U19 World Cup and will provide cover for Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the ODI series against Ireland.”
Fast bowler Bilal Sami, previously on the reserves for Afghanistan’s recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, has earned a promotion to the main squad. With no international caps yet, Sami has impressed in List A cricket, claiming 23 wickets at an average of 21.60 and an economy rate of 6.21 in 10 matches.
Wristspinner Qais Ahmad, facing control issues in Sri Lanka, has been relegated to the reserves, while Zia Ur Rahman and Shahidullah Kamal complete the reserve lineup.
Hashmatullah Shahidi captains the Afghanistan squad with Rahmat Shah as vice-captain. Notable players include Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib.
Afghanistan Squad:
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain)
- Rahmat Shah (vice-captain)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper)
- Ikram Alikhil (wicketkeeper)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Riaz Hassan
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Nangeyalia Kharote
- Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar
- Noor Ahmad
- Bilal Sami
- Fazal Haq Farooqi
- Naveed Zadran
- Farid Ahmad Malik
Reserves:
- Zia Ur Rahman
- Shahidullah Kamal
- Qais Ahmad
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