May 1st 2024.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, and it's no surprise that star all-rounder Rashid Khan will be leading the team. However, there are a few notable changes from their previous ODI World Cup squad.
Eight players from the Indian Premier League have made it to the T20 squad, including the likes of Rashid, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mohammad Nabi. However, Hashmatullah Shahidi, who captained Afghanistan at the 2023 ODI World Cup, has been left out this time around.
The squad also features some promising young talent, with left-handed opener Hazratullah Zazai, Sediqullah Atal, and Mohammad Saleem Safi being named as travelling reserves. This will be a great opportunity for them to gain some valuable experience and showcase their skills on the international stage.
In terms of the batting line-up, the team seems to be relying heavily on their top order, with only four specialist batters in the squad. Wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, and back-up keeper Mohammad Ishaq will have the responsibility of leading the batting charge. However, to make up for the lack of specialist batters, the team has included six all-rounders in their squad.
Apart from Rashid, the other all-rounders in the team are Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, and Nangyal Kharoti. This will provide the team with a good balance and depth in both their batting and bowling departments.
When it comes to spinners, Afghanistan has a strong line-up with Rashid, Nabi, and Kharote leading the way. However, they also have the talented Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Noor Ahmad in their ranks, who will provide valuable support in the spin department.
In the pace department, right-arm fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, along with left-armers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmad, will provide a good mix of experience and youth. They will be supported by the all-rounders in the team, who can also contribute with the ball.
It's worth noting that Karim Janat, Mohammad Ishaq, and Noor Ahmad have made a comeback to the team after missing out on the 2022 T20 World Cup. This shows the team's faith in their abilities and their willingness to give them another chance to prove themselves.
Afghanistan has been placed in Group C for the tournament, along with New Zealand, co-hosts West Indies, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea. Their first match will be against Uganda on June 3 at Providence.
The full squad includes Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Fareed Ahmad Malik. The reserves are Sediqullah Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, and Mohammad Saleem Safi. With a strong and well-balanced team, Afghanistan will be looking to make their mark in the T20 World Cup and bring home the trophy.
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