The Afghanistan Cricket Board announced the squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe, featuring three T20Is and ODIs. Young batsman Zubaid Akbari received his first T20I call-up, joining other notable players like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. Adjustments to the match schedule aim to enhance spectator attendance, with the series starting on December 11.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) recently announced the squads for the white-ball series against Zimbabwe, scheduled to commence on December 11 in Harare. The tour includes three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs). Notably, promising young batsman Zubaid Akbari has received his first call-up to the T20I squad, following outstanding performances in the domestic circuit and his contribution to the Afghanistan A team’s success in the Emerging Asia Cup. Darwish Rasooli also returns, having captained the Afghanistan A team to victory earlier this year.
Afghanistan will be without prolific batsman Ibrahim Zadran, who is currently recovering from ankle surgery, but welcomes back spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who has fully healed from a prior injury. ACB CEO Naseeb Khan emphasized the significance of the tour, referencing a fruitful 2024 calendar year for both the board and the Afghanistan A lineup. He highlighted the team’s historical success in Zimbabwe and expressed optimism for the upcoming series.
The series has undergone minor schedule adjustments to maximize spectator attendance. The matches will take place at the Harare Sports Club, with the T20Is slated for December 11, 13, and 14, followed by the ODIs on December 17, 19, and 21. Aside from Akbari and Rasooli, the T20I squad includes prominent players like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, while the ODI squad is led by Hashmatullah Shahidi.
The announcement of the cricket squads for the Zimbabwe tour is a significant development for the Afghanistan national team as they prepare for a series that includes both T20Is and ODIs. This tour not only provides an opportunity for emerging players like Zubaid Akbari to demonstrate their talent on an international stage but also is crucial for the team’s strategy moving into the future. Moreover, adjustments made to the schedule reflect the board’s commitment to enhancing fan engagement and attendance during the matches.
In summary, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has crafted a competitive squad for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, highlighting the inclusion of young talent alongside experienced players. This series represents an essential opportunity for the team to build on their successes and engage with their supporters while providing a platform for players to shine. Expectations are high as they aim for a successful outing against Zimbabwe on their home ground.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
