Zubaid Akbari receives his first T20I call-up for Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe following strong domestic performances. Darwish Rasooli returns to the squad after a successful season, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman is back from injury. However, Ibrahim Zadran is unavailable due to ankle recovery. The ACB expresses confidence in the squad’s ability to perform well in Zimbabwe, with key fixtures scheduled across formats.
Zubaid Akbari, a promising left-hand batter, has earned his first T20 International call-up following remarkable performances in domestic cricket, particularly during the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Asia Cup, where he significantly contributed to his team’s success. Additionally, Darwish Rasooli returns to the T20I squad after an outstanding domestic season that culminated in Afghanistan clinching the title at the Emerging Asia Cup. Meanwhile, renowned spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman is back after recovering from injury and is set to participate in both T20I and ODI matches against Zimbabwe.
However, star opener Ibrahim Zadran is absent due to ongoing recovery from ankle surgery. Naseeb Khan, the Chief Executive Officer of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, expressed optimism about the upcoming tour, stating, “Afghanistan have a strong history in Zimbabwe, and we look forward to another memorable tour. The selected players are ready for the challenge.” Interim Chief Selector Ahmad Shah underscored the squad’s depth and confidence, emphasizing Mujeeb’s critical return and commending Akbari and Rasooli for earning their positions.
In their previous ODI series, Afghanistan triumphed over Bangladesh with a 2-1 victory in Sharjah, showcasing their competitive edge. The upcoming fixtures are eagerly anticipated with two T20Is and three ODIs scheduled, followed by two Test matches, marking an exciting period for Afghan cricket.
The selected T20I squad includes prominent names such as Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Gulbadin Naib, while the ODI squad features Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rashid Khan, among others, highlighting the team’s strength and experience.
This article discusses the selection of Afghanistan’s cricket squad for their upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, particularly the notable inclusion of Zubaid Akbari, marking his debut in T20Is due to his excellent domestic form. The piece outlines the comprehensive squad changes, including the return of key players after injuries and the absence of others due to medical concerns. The significance of the tour in terms of Afghanistan’s cricketing achievements and historical context in Zimbabwe is also emphasized.
In conclusion, the Afghanistan cricket team has made strategic selections for their tour of Zimbabwe, highlighting both emerging talents and experienced players returning from injury. The anticipation for the matches is heightened by the recent successes of the team, signaling a promising future. Afghanistan’s commitment to maintaining a strong cricketing presence on the international stage is evident as they look forward to competing with vigor against Zimbabwe.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
