Afghanistan’s star all-rounder Rashid Khan is set to miss the highly-anticipated Boxing Day Test against Zimbabwe on December 26. Rashid will be absent due to personal reasons, as reports suggest he will attend a charity event, leaving Afghanistan without one of their key players for the opening game. His absence is a significant blow to the visitors, as he plays a pivotal role in their Test setup.
The historic two-match series marks Zimbabwe’s first Boxing Day Test in 28 years. Craig Ervine will lead Zimbabwe in the opening game at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Their squad features experienced players like Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams, alongside promising newcomers such as Ben Curran and Tadiwanashe Marumani.
Despite Rashid’s absence, Afghanistan remains a strong side under the captaincy of Hashmatullah Shahidi. The squad includes a mix of experience and fresh talent, with players like Sediqullah Atal and Ismat Alam expected to make their mark. Alam, in particular, has been in impressive domestic form. Afghanistan enters the series as favorites but will need to rely on a team effort to overcome the hosts.
Zimbabwe, though considered underdogs, boasts a mix of seasoned players and young talent, setting the stage for an exciting contest. With both teams eager to make a statement, fans can expect a thrilling start to the series.
Probable XIs:
Afghanistan: Sediqullah Atal, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ismat Alam, Zahir Khan, Zia Ur Rehman, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Naveed Zadran, Zahir Shehzad/Bashir Ahmad Afghan
Zimbabwe: Joylord Gumbie, Ben Curran, Dion Myers, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Brian Bennet, Sikandar Raza, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu/Newman Nyamhuri
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