Afghanistan have announced their 18-player roster for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan to be held in Sri Lanka at the end of August. This strategy is part of Afghanistan's run-up to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup slated to occur in India later in 2023. The ODI team has seen some significant reshuffling, with Noor Ahmad making a comeback, replacing left-arm spinner Zia Ur Rahman Akbar who debuted in the recent ODI against Bangladesh.
However, leg-spinner Izharulhaq Naveed, yet to debut in an ODI match, has been left out of the lineup despite being part of the Test squad. Meanwhile, pacers Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand, both part of the recent Bangladesh ODI tour, have secured their spots in the squad.
ACB Chief Selector Asadullah Khan said. “Our whole concentration is to prepare the team for the upcoming two big events of Asia Cup and the World Cup 2023. This three-match ODI series against Pakistan provides us with a wonderful opportunity to prepare the team for the forthcoming two events."
“The preparations for the Pakistan series are progressing well; the players have recently performed well in the Kabul Camp, which has been supervised by ACB's HPC staff. The team will also undergo a week-long conditioning camp prior to the Pakistan Series.” He added.
Afghanistan Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand.
Reserves include Farid Ahmad Malik and Shahidullah Kamal.
Series Schedule
22nd August – 1st ODI, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
24th August – 2nd ODI, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
26th August – 3rd ODI, Colombo, Sri Lanka
With the team set and intensive training sessions underway, Afghanistan is ready to deliver a solid performance in the upcoming series against Pakistan.
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