The Afghanistan Cricket Board announced the squads for the upcoming white-ball tour to Zimbabwe, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs starting December 11. New talent Zubaid Akbari joins the squad, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman returns from injury. The match schedule has been adjusted to accommodate more spectators.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) revealed the squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe, which features three T20 internationals and three One Day Internationals, commencing on December 11 in Harare. Newcomer Zubaid Akbari received his first call-up to the T20I squad following commendable performances during the domestic season and in the Emerging Asia Cup. Also returning is Darwish Rasooli, who had impressive domestic performances and captained Afghanistan A to a title win at the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Asia Cup.
Ibrahim Zadran remains absent from the squad as he recuperates from ankle surgery in England. However, Mujeeb Ur Rahman has returned after recovering from injury, strengthening the bowling unit for both formats. The ACB noted a successful 2024 calendar year for Afghanistan cricket, with a busy schedule ahead. ACB CEO, Naseeb Khan, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to succeed in Zimbabwe given their historical performance.
Interim Chief Selector Ahmad Shah highlighted the significance of Mujeeb’s recovery, as well as the consistency shown by both Akbari and Rasooli in recent competitions. The revised match schedule has slightly shifted to encourage greater attendance, with T20I matches now slated for December 11, 13, and 14, followed by ODIs on December 17, 19, and 21. All matches will be hosted at the Harare Sports Club, promising an engaging contest for fans and players alike.
The announcement of Afghanistan’s squads for the Zimbabwe series signals a critical moment for the national team as they strive for improvement and success in international cricket. The inclusion of emerging talents like Zubaid Akbari reflects the ACB’s focus on nurturing young players while balancing the loss of experienced ones through injuries. The historical context of Afghanistan’s cricketing achievements in Zimbabwe further underlines the significance of this tour, portraying it as an opportunity to both test and showcase their growing talent pool.
In summary, the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s announcement for the Zimbabwe tour emphasizes their commitment to field a competitive side despite obstacles such as injuries. The selection of promising young talents alongside experienced players reflects a strategy geared toward long-term success. With the adjusted schedule, there is anticipation for a successful series that not only honors Afghanistan’s past performances but also strives to build a robust future for its cricket teams.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
