Afghanistan Squad for Sri Lanka series: Afghanistan’s T20 struggles persist as injuries and recovery timelines sideline key players for their upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Captain Rashid Khan remains unavailable due to back surgery, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman joins the casualty list with a hand injury.
Rashid Khan’s absence, extending since the World Cup, continues to leave a void in their spin attack.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman, a vital cog in their pace department, suffered a hand injury before the ODI series and is ruled out alongside Mohammad Saleem (hamstring).
Young Blood Steps Up:
Ibrahim Zadran retains the captaincy, leading a squad featuring a blend of experience and youth. Mohammad Ishaq replaces Ikram Alikhil as wicketkeeper, while Wafadar Momand returns in place of Saleem.
Familiar Faces, New Roles:
Gurbaz opens the batting, followed by established names like Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, and Hazratullah Zazai. Fazalhaq Farooqi leads the pace attack, supported by Naveen-ul-Haq, Fareed Ahmad, and Momand. Youngsters Noor Ahmad, Qais Ahmad, and Sharafuddin Ashraf handle the spin duties.
Can Afghanistan Turn the Tide?:
Afghanistan seeks redemption after a disappointing Test and ODI series in Sri Lanka. The T20Is, starting February 17th, offer a chance to bounce back and showcase their talent. Can they overcome the absence of key players and emerge victorious?
Key Points from Afghanistan squad
- Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman miss the series due to injury and recovery, respectively.
- Ibrahim Zadran continues as captain.
- Mohammad Ishaq and Wafadar Momand receive call-ups.
- The series starts February 17th in Dambulla.
Afghanistan squad: Ibrahim Zadran (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Wafadar Momand and Qais Ahmad.