Afghanistan has unveiled its lineup for the upcoming one-time Test match against Sri Lanka, set to kick off on February 02. The excitement surrounding this clash has been further heightened by the announcement of Afghanistan’s squad, which reveals both experienced players and promising newcomers.
In a significant setback for the Afghan side, senior spinner Rashid Khan will be absent from the lineup as he continues his recovery from a recent back surgery.
However, stepping into this void is Qais Ahmed, who makes a return to the Test arena after a five-year hiatus. The dynamic spin-bowling skills of Rashid Khan will undoubtedly be missed, but Ahmed’s inclusion adds depth and experience to the squad.
A notable inclusion in the squad is the seasoned Noor Ali Zadran, who, despite an impressive 74 international caps in ODIs and T20Is, is yet to make his Test debut.
The 35-year-old, related to cricketing talents Mujeeb ur Rahman and Ibrahim Zadran, made his mark in Afghanistan’s cricket history by participating in the country’s first-ever ODI back in 2009. Noor Ali’s wealth of experience in limited-overs formats brings a valuable dimension to the Test squad, and fans are eager to witness how he adapts to the demands of the longest format of the game.
Joining Noor Ali Zadran are three other uncapped players – Zia-ur-Rehman, Mohammad Ishaq, and Naveed Zadran. These young talents, with their fresh perspectives and hunger for success, add an exciting element to the squad. The selectors’ faith in their potential signifies a commitment to nurturing the next generation of Afghan cricketers.
Afghanistan’s last Test outing in June 2023 ended in a significant defeat against Bangladesh. As they gear up for their eighth Test match, the team under the leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi is keen on redeeming themselves and making a mark on the international Test cricket scene. The upcoming clash against Sri Lanka provides the perfect platform for this resurgence.
Beyond the one-off Test, the tour itinerary includes three ODIs and an equal number of T20Is against Sri Lanka. This comprehensive series will test the mettle of Afghanistan’s cricketing prowess across all formats. The team’s ability to adapt and perform consistently will be closely scrutinized, and fans are eagerly anticipating thrilling encounters throughout the tour.
The announced Test squad boasts a balanced combination of youth and experience. Hashmatullah Shahidi, the captain, will look to lead from the front, with Rahmat Shah as the vice-captain providing additional leadership stability.
The batting lineup, comprising Ibrahim Zadran, Abdul Malik, Bahir Shah, and Nasir Jamal, is expected to deliver solid performances. Meanwhile, Ikram Alikhil and Mohammad Ishaq will shoulder the wicketkeeping responsibilities.
In the bowling department, the likes of Qais Ahmad, Zia-ur-Rehman, Zahir Khan, and Yamin Ahmadzai will be crucial in providing the team with the much-needed breakthroughs. Nijat Masood, Mohammad Saleem, and Naveed Zadran add depth to the squad, giving the captain various options to exploit based on match conditions.
As Afghanistan prepares to embark on this challenging tour, cricket enthusiasts worldwide are gearing up for a riveting display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
The one-off Test, along with the subsequent ODIs and T20Is, promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the evolving prowess of Afghanistan’s cricketing talent on the global stage.
