Afghanistan Bolster Their Squad Ahead of Bangladesh ODIs
Afghanistan has announced two significant additions to their squad as they gear up for a crucial ODI series against Bangladesh at Sharjah this November. After an impressive triumph against South Africa in September, the team is preparing to continue their momentum with the inclusion of opening batter Sediqullah Atal and left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad in a 19-man squad.
Exciting changes in the Afghanistan cricket lineup
Sediqullah Atal, who boasts six T20I caps, has showcased exceptional performance during the Emerging Teams Asia Cup T20 tournament, finishing with standout scores of 52, 95 not out, and 83. With such form, his inclusion could prove invaluable for Afghanistan’s top order. Meanwhile, Noor Ahmad, returning from a successful stint in the Caribbean Premier League, where he was awarded Player of the Series for claiming 22 wickets, further strengthens the bowling department.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s chief selector, Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, provided insights on the squad changes:
“Ibrahim Zadran is currently undergoing rehabilitation and continues to recover from the surgery he recently had. Mujeeb Ur Rahman also remains unavailable due to ongoing treatment. However, Noor Ahmad is back in the squad, and we have included a promising top-order batter in Sediqullah Atal, who has impressed everyone with his consistent top performances.”
The team is expected to perform admirably in the upcoming series, which consists of three ODIs scheduled from November 6 to 11, 2023. This series is critical for Afghanistan as they look to solidify their standing ahead of the Champions Trophy set for February 2025.
Historical Context
Afghanistan made headlines during their last assignment against South Africa, where they achieved their first series win against a top-five ICC-ranked team. Such an accomplishment has raised expectations for the team as they approach the fixtures against Bangladesh.
The upcoming series promises to be an exciting contest and a gauge for Afghanistan’s readiness as they set their sights on future challenges.
Full Afghanistan Squad for Bangladesh ODIs
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain)
- Rahmat Shah (vice-captain)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper)
- Ikram Alikhil (wicketkeeper)
- Abdul Malik
- Riaz Hassan
- Sediqullah Atal
- Darwish Rasooli
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan
- Nangyal Kharoti
- AM Ghazanfar
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Bilal Sami
- Naveed Zadran
- Farid Ahmad Malik
Afghanistan’s emerging stars ready for action
Series Schedule
The matches will take place as follows:
- 1st ODI: November 6, Sharjah
- 2nd ODI: November 9, Sharjah
- 3rd ODI: November 11, Sharjah
With significant changes to the squad and a chance to build on their historic win, the forthcoming matches will be essential for both the players and the overall progress of Afghanistan cricket. Fans eagerly anticipate how the team will rise to the occasion.
Ultimately, performances against Bangladesh will play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s trajectory as they strive for success on the international stage.
