Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan will return to One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for the first time since last year’s World Cup. The 17-member squad includes him for the three-match series against South Africa in the UAE, starting September 18. This marks Rashid’s first ODI appearance since October-November 2023.
However, Afghanistan will still be without mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who is recovering from a sprained index finger. Additionally, wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad has been left out of the squad. Chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil confirmed that off-spinner AM Ghazanfar, who made his ODI debut in March, will replace Mujeeb for this series.
Rashid Khan’s return is a significant boost for the team, compensating for the absence of Mujeeb and Noor. Rashid was previously sidelined due to back surgery after the World Cup. He missed several series, including those against UAE, India, and Sri Lanka, and also withdrew from various T20 leagues like the BBL, PSL, and SA20. Rashid’s comeback included appearances in T20Is and leagues like the IPL and the Hundred. However, he suffered setbacks with a hamstring injury and recurring back issues.
Alongside Rashid, Afghanistan has included uncapped medium-pace bowler Bilal Sami and top-order batters Darwish Rasooli and Abdul Malik. Malik steps in for Ibrahim Zadran, who is sidelined with an ankle sprain. Zadran’s injury also caused him to miss the one-off Test against New Zealand. The additions aim to strengthen the squad for the ODIs. Rasooli and Malik have limited international experience, while Sami is yet to debut.
The series, which will be held in Sharjah, also serves as preparation for the Champions Trophy early next year. Afghanistan qualified for the tournament for the first time by finishing sixth in the 2023 World Cup league stage.
Afghanistan squad for South Africa ODIs:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran, Fareed Ahmad
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