The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its power-packed 17-member squad for the much-awaited Asia Cup 2023 which is slated to kick off from August 30. Of the 13 scheduled games, nine will be hosted by Sri Lanka, while the remaining four will see the pitches of Pakistan.
Leading the Afghanistan brigade in the Asia Cup 2023 is Hashmatullah Shahidi. Interestingly, the team formation remains largely consistent with the one fielded during their recent ODI clash against Pakistan. However, few changes have stirred up interest among the fans.
Interestingly, Karim Janat, the star all-rounder, is set to make a significant return to Afghanistan's ODI fold after six long years. At just 25, Janat has showcased remarkable prowess in the T20I arena for the national side. While he marked his ODI debut in February 2017 against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club, Janat hasn't been featured in an ODI match since. Nevertheless, his cricketing journey has witnessed him donning the Afghanistan jersey in a Test match and a commendable 49 T20Is.
Janat's contributions in 42 List A games have been noteworthy. He's amassed 1664 runs, delivering with an impressive economy rate of 5.47. Among his notable achievements is a stellar five-wicket haul. Beyond bowling, his batting credentials speak volumes too. From 34 innings, he has accumulated 799 runs, celebrating five half-centuries with a personal best score of 68.
With Janat's inclusion, Afghanistan is not just adding an all-rounder to their squad but also infusing experience and youthful energy, promising an exciting dynamic for the Asia Cup 2023.
Notably, Azmatullah Omarzai, who was sidelined due to an injury and replaced by Gulbadin Naib in their last face-off against Pakistan, has been excluded. Meanwhile, Naib has secured his spot. Sharafuddin Ashraf has also been included in Afghanistan's final 17.
On the flip side, Shahidullah Kamal, Fareed Ahmed Malik, and Wafadar Momand won't be donning the Afghanistan jersey for the Asia Cup 2023. Despite this shuffle, the core group from the Pakistan series remains intact. It's worth highlighting that Afghanistan faced a 3-0 series defeat against Pakistan.
Looking at the batting lineup, the trio of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi is expected to anchor the innings and provide the necessary momentum. The spinning department, a crucial aspect of subcontinent pitches, showcases the prowess of stalwarts like Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and the young Noor Ahmad. Additionally, despite facing challenges during the Pakistan series, Fazalhaq Farooqi has been retained, indicating the team's confidence in his potential.
Afghanistan's squad for the Asia Cup 2023
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Abdul Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
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