Zubaid Akbari receives his first T20I call-up for the Zimbabwe tour, following strong domestic performances and contributions to the recent ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Asia Cup victory. Darwish Rasooli returns after leading Afghanistan to that title, while star spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman is back from injury. Key opener Ibrahim Zadran is still recuperating from ankle surgery. ACB CEO Naseeb Khan and Interim Chief Selector Ahmad Shah expressed confidence in the players’ capabilities. The series includes three T20Is and three ODIs, commencing in mid-December.
Afghanistan has announced its squad for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, featuring promising left-hand batter Zubaid Akbari, who receives his first T20I call-up following impressive domestic performances and significant contributions to Afghanistan’s victory at the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Asia Cup. Additionally, returning to the T20I team is Darwish Rasooli, noted for his outstanding domestic campaign that helped secure the title.
Star spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman makes his return after recovering from a phalanx injury, expected to play in both the T20I and ODI series. However, the team’s star opener Ibrahim Zadran will not participate due to ongoing rehabilitation from recent ankle surgery. Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) CEO Naseeb Khan shared his optimism regarding the tour, stating that Afghanistan has a rich history in Zimbabwe and anticipates another memorable series, with the players equipped to face the challenges ahead.
The Interim Chief Selector, Ahmad Shah, commended the depth of the squad, recognizing the vital role of Mujeeb’s return. He also noted the merit earned by the new inclusions, expressing confidence in their capabilities. Afghanistan’s recent success in white-ball cricket includes a 2-1 ODI series victory against Bangladesh in Sharjah, indicating positive momentum heading into the Zimbabwe series. The schedule includes three T20I matches from December 11-14, followed by three ODI encounters starting December 17, culminating in two Test matches slated for late December to early January.
The Afghanistan national cricket team is preparing for an important tour of Zimbabwe, where they aim to build on their recent successes in international cricket. This tour presents an opportunity for young talents such as Zubaid Akbari to showcase their abilities on the international stage. The team possesses a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, which is crucial for their strategic plans in the series against Zimbabwe. Notably, the tour follows Afghanistan’s triumph in the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Asia Cup, highlighting the team’s potential and depth. As the players gear up, confidence from both the ACB and Interim Chief Selector reflects their preparedness for the matches ahead.
In summary, Afghanistan’s cricket squad for the Zimbabwe tour showcases a blend of emerging talents and experienced players, with Zubaid Akbari earning his first T20I call-up after impressive performances. The return of key players like Mujeeb Ur Rahman is essential for the team’s dynamics as they look to continue their winning ways, particularly following their recent ODI series victory against Bangladesh. ACB officials have expressed confidence in the squad, setting the stage for a promising series. The fixtures for the upcoming series are set to provide an exciting platform for international cricket, with the team’s performance likely to contribute to Afghanistan’s growing stature in the game.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
