Afghanistan’s cricket team has named its squad for the Zimbabwe tour, featuring Zubaid Akbari’s maiden T20I call-up after stellar domestic performances. Returning players include Darwish Rasooli and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, while Ibrahim Zadran remains unavailable due to injury. The series starts with the first T20I on December 11, building on Afghanistan’s recent success against Bangladesh.
The Afghanistan cricket team has announced its squad for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, highlighting the inclusion of promising left-hand batter Zubaid Akbari, who receives a maiden T20I call-up following an impressive display in domestic competitions and his significant contributions at the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Asia Cup. Additionally, Darwish Rasooli returns to the T20I side after an extraordinary domestic season, which featured his leadership in securing the Emerging Asia Cup title for the nation.
Notably, star spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman makes his comeback after recovering from an injury, and he is expected to participate in both T20I and ODI matches. However, opener Ibrahim Zadran will not be part of the squad as he continues his recovery following ankle surgery. The Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO, Naseeb Khan, expressed optimism regarding the tour, stating that Afghanistan has a rich history in Zimbabwe and anticipating another successful series.
Interim Chief Selector Ahmad Shah emphasized the squad’s depth and the importance of Mujeeb’s return, while also acknowledging the well-deserved selections of Zubaid Akbari and Darwish Rasooli. In their last white-ball series, Afghanistan achieved success against Bangladesh, winning the ODI series 2-1 in Sharjah. The fixtures for the Zimbabwe series are set to begin with the first T20I on December 11, followed by two additional T20Is and three ODIs, culminating with two Test matches in early January.
The Afghanistan cricket team has been making significant strides on the international stage in recent years, achieving commendable performances in various competitions. The announcement of Zubaid Akbari’s maiden call-up highlights the fruitful development of talent within the country’s domestic cricket scene. Additionally, securing victories such as the 2-1 ODI series win against Bangladesh substantiates Afghanistan’s growing prowess in white-ball formats. This tour serves as an essential opportunity for the team to further establish its presence in international cricket, particularly against Zimbabwe, a team they have historically performed well against.
In summary, the Afghanistan cricket team’s selection for the tour of Zimbabwe showcases a blend of emerging talent and experienced players. The call-up of Zubaid Akbari and the return of Mujeeb Ur Rahman signal a promising outlook for the team as they aim for continued success in international cricket. With a positive mindset from both the coaching staff and players, Afghanistan looks poised for a noteworthy series in Zimbabwe, which includes a mix of T20I, ODI, and Test matches.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
