Afghanistan Cricket Archives - Today Match Prediction

Afghanistan Imposes Restriction on Mujeeb, Naveen, and Farooqi Participation in Franchise Cricket

Mainul Islam — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 13:17:59 +0000

This action involves delaying the awarding of national contracts to these players and revoking their No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for participating in global franchise leagues.

In a statement released on Monday (December 25), the ACB disclosed their decision following the trio’s expressed desire to be released from the annual central contract. The board criticized the players for prioritizing personal interests over representing Afghanistan, prompting the formation of a dedicated committee to thoroughly investigate the matter and recommend appropriate actions.

The committee’s suggestions presented to the ACB’s top management include:

Non-award of Central Contracts: Mujeeb, Naveen, and Farooqi are ineligible for central contracts for one year starting from January 1, 2024. Their participation in events will be subject to ACB’s consideration.

Delay in Granting NOCs: The players are deemed ineligible to obtain NOCs for two years, with immediate revocation of all current NOCs.

Transparent Communication: ACB intends to transparently communicate its stance to the ICC, ACC, Member Countries/Cricket Boards, and the Afghanistan Public.

Emphasizing the decision’s alignment with national priorities and the ACB’s core values, the statement underscored the need for players to uphold these principles and prioritize the country’s interests over personal ones.

The immediate revocation of NOCs and the subsequent two-year ban from participating in franchise leagues effectively restricts Mujeeb, Naveen, and Farooqi from league cricket.

This development poses challenges for IPL franchises such as Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, associated with Mujeeb, Naveen, and Farooqi respectively.

Furthermore, this action could impact the trio’s prospects for the upcoming T20 World Cup, although they remain eligible for national selection at present.

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Fantasy Tips – Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, ICC ODI World Cup 2023, 30th Match. Who Will Win, On October 30, 2023

Mainul Islam — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 08:08:26 +0000

AFG vs SL Match Information

Match: World Cup 2023, 30th Match, AFG vs. SL
Date: 30 Oct 2023, Monday
Time: 02:30 PM (BD)
Live Streaming (BD): BTV, GTV, T Sports, Rabbithole
Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune

AFG vs SL Preview

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi’s team heavily relies on their opening batsmen. In the two games where Afghanistan emerged victorious, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran formed partnerships exceeding 100 runs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the leading run-scorer for Afghanistan in the tournament, amassing 224 runs in five games at an impressive average of 44.80 and a strike rate of 101.36. Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi have also shown good form with the bat.

The bowling unit for Afghanistan has operated cohesively, resulting in wickets being distributed among the bowlers. Although spin remains the strong suit of the team, seam bowlers like Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi have also performed reasonably well.

Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka had a convincing victory over England in their previous encounter, securing an eight-wicket win in a largely one-sided match. Similarly, Afghanistan is coming off a morale-boosting eight-wicket triumph over Pakistan in their most recent game. As a result, the clash between these two confident teams promises to be an exciting contest.

Sadeera Samarawickrama has been the standout batsman for Sri Lanka in the tournament, amassing 295 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 98.33 and a strike rate of 106.50. He has notched up two half-centuries and one century, showcasing sublime form. While Kusal Mendis began the tournament strongly, he has somewhat faded in recent outings. Nevertheless, he has capably led the team in the absence of regular captain Dasun Shanaka.

Bowling has been Sri Lanka’s Achilles’ heel in the tournament, but they rose to the occasion against England, restricting Jos Buttler’s men to just 156 runs. This remarkable performance must have bolstered the morale of the relatively inexperienced bowling lineup, and they are likely to come out firing on all cylinders against the Afghan team.

AFG vs SL Playing XI

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil (Wicket-Keeper), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (C & WK), Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka.

AFG vs SL Dream11 Fantasy Tips

Captain: Kushal Mendis
Vice-Captain: Mujeeb Ur Rehman
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pathun Nissanka, Ibrahim Zadran, Angelo Mathews, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kasun Rajitha, Rashid Khan, Maheesh Theekshana.

AFG vs SL Head-To-Head Records in ODI

Stats	Match	AFG Won	SL Won	NR	Tie
Overall	11	3	7	1	0
Recent 5 Matches	5	1	4	0	0

AFG vs SL Win Prediction

Sri Lanka has been grappling with injuries during the 2023 Asia Cup, and this trend continues in the current tournament. Nonetheless, they have managed to regain their winning form, which is a significant confidence booster. We anticipate that Sri Lanka will have the necessary strength to overcome Afghanistan in Pune.

AFG vs SL Toss Prediction

In four out of the seven ODIs played at this venue, the team batting second emerged victorious. Therefore, it is predicted that both captains may opt to field first in this game.

AFG vs SL Pitch Report

The pitch at the Maharashtra Cricket Stadium in Pune is known for providing consistent pace and bounce, making it favorable for batting. A competitive or par score on this wicket is typically in the range of 320-350 runs.

AFG vs SL Weather Report

The weather forecast for Monday afternoon indicates sunny and warm conditions, with some cloud cover expected later in the day. The humidity level is anticipated to significantly increase during the final third of the match.

Venue Information

Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium
Situated in: Pune, India
Inaugurated: 2011
Referred to as: Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium
Time Zone: UTC +05:30
Residence of: Chennai Super Kings
Illumination: Available

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Virat Kohli Fans in Delhi Support Afghanistan’s Naveen Ul Haq in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Game Against England

Samia Akter — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:33:40 +0000

From Controversy to Celebration: Naveen ul Haq’s Remarkable Turnaround

Within a few days, Afghanistan’s bowler Naveen ul Haq went from being a divisive character to a hometown hero, winning over the devoted supporters of Virat Kohli at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. The tide shifted for Naveen, who faced considerable criticism during India’s World Cup 2023 match against Afghanistan last week, as he buried the hatchet with Indian batting sensation Virat Kohli. The feud, rooted in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season earlier in the year, has now found closure.

Unforgettable Victory: Afghanistan Shocks England in Historic ODI World Cup Win

The embrace between Naveen and Kohli followed India’s dominant eight-wicket triumph over Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi just last Wednesday. The atmosphere in Delhi took a warmer turn on Sunday during Afghanistan’s third match in the World Cup 2023, as they faced off against reigning champions England.

Afghanistan etched their names in history on Sunday, clinching their inaugural ODI World Cup victory, stunning Jos Buttler’s England by an impressive 69 runs. Naveen played a pivotal role, securing a crucial 1/44, including the prized wicket of England’s skipper, Jos Buttler, who was cleanly bowled for a mere 9 runs. The spirited support for Naveen from the Delhi crowd reverberated across social media platforms, with a video capturing the fervor going viral.

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Afghanistan Announces World Cup Squad Without Gulbadin

Samia Akter — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 12:55:58 +0000

Afghanistan's 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Squad Unveiled

In preparation for the upcoming 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan has announced its formidable 15-member squad. The squad presents several noteworthy changes from the recent Asia Cup and includes the return of Naveen-ul-Haq, while seasoned all-rounder Gulbadin Naib has been omitted despite a strong performance in the Asia Cup.

Squad Alterations:

Under the leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi, this World Cup squad exhibits four alterations compared to the team that competed in the Asia Cup. Notable omissions encompass Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Suliman Safi, and Gulbadin Naib.

Azmatullah Omarzai makes a comeback after recovering from an injury that prevented his participation in the Asia Cup. Naveen-ul-Haq, who last played a List A game in 2021, also rejoins the squad.

Player Insights

Naveen-ul-Haq has played just seven ODIs, accumulating 14 wickets at an impressive average of 25.42. Karim Janat, who returned for the Asia Cup after a six-year ODI hiatus, has been left out.

Gulbadin Naib delivered noteworthy performances during his ODI comeback, particularly in the Pakistan series, where he claimed the openers’ wickets in the third ODI and later secured a four-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup. Nevertheless, he did not secure a spot in the World Cup squad.

Strength in Spin and Pace

Afghanistan’s squad boasts a robust spin department, featuring experienced spinners Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, alongside the talented Mujeeb ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad.

The pace attack welcomes the return of Naveen-ul-Haq and includes Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, and Azmatullah Omarzai.

Afghanistan World Cup Squad

Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Ibrahim Zadran
Riaz Hassan
Rahmat Shah
Najibullah Zadran
Mohammad Nabi
Ikram Alikhil
Azmatullah Omarzai
Rashid Khan
Mujeeb ur Rahman
Noor Ahmad
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Abdul Rahman
Naveen-ul-Haq

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Bangladesh Secures 89-Run Victory Over Afghanistan

Mainul Islam — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 17:32:53 +0000

Pace Trio's Spectacular Performance

Taskin Ahmed led the charge with a four-wicket haul, while Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud contributed with three and one wickets, respectively. Their collective effort played a pivotal role in restricting Afghanistan to 245 runs, following Bangladesh’s imposing total of 334 for five.

Afghan Batsmen's Fight

Despite the challenging target, opener Ibrahim Zadran and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi displayed resilience, both achieving half-centuries. Zadran scored a brisk 75 off 74 balls, while Shahidi contributed 51 from 60 deliveries. However, their efforts ultimately fell short in the face of Bangladesh’s formidable total.

Bangladesh's Path to Super Fours

This victory positions Bangladesh favorably to advance to the Super Four stage of the tournament. Afghanistan must secure a substantial victory over Sri Lanka to remain in contention, whereas a win for Sri Lanka would ensure their qualification.

Key Moments in the Match

Shoriful Islam and Mehedi Hasan Miraz made crucial breakthroughs, reducing Afghanistan to 212 for six after the 40th over.
A remarkable catch by Mushfiqur Rahim dismissed set batter Ibrahim Zadran, who had contributed 75 runs.
Taskin Ahmed ended a 78-run partnership between Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran with an off-cutter, claiming Rahmat’s wicket.
Shoriful Islam’s lbw dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz provided Bangladesh’s first breakthrough.

Bangladesh's Impressive Batting Display

In their innings, Bangladesh posted a formidable total of 334 for five, driven by standout performances from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehedi Hasan Miraz, who both notched centuries. Shanto scored a brilliant 104 off 105 balls, while Miraz added an explosive 112 off 119 deliveries. Captain Shakib Al Hasan’s late onslaught contributed to their highest ODI total away from home.

Nail-Biting Moments

Shanto reached his second ODI century but saw his innings end in a runout mix-up in the 45th over.
Miraz achieved his second ODI century, helping Bangladesh build a strong foundation.
Shanto and Miraz both reached consecutive fifties during their partnership.

Challenges Faced by Bangladesh

The opening pair of Mohammad Naim and Towhid Hridoy provided a confident start for Bangladesh, scoring 60 runs inside the Powerplay. However, Naim was dismissed by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Hridoy fell to Gulbadin Naib’s bowling.

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The Asia Cup Cricket Line-up from Pakistan to Nepal

Mainul Islam — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 15:18:31 +0000

Cricketing Showdown in the Subcontinent

Six cricketing nations are set to vie for supremacy in the Asia Cup, co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The tournament promises thrilling clashes and a final opportunity for the giants of Asian cricket to assess each other before the impending World Cup in India.

Road to Glory: Group Stage and Super Four

The tournament structure comprises a group stage, followed by the Super Four, culminating in the grand finale in Colombo on September 17. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, where the leading two in the standings will compete for the championship.

Group A: Clash of Titans

Pakistan

The top-ranked team, Pakistan, shares co-hosting duties with Sri Lanka due to a hybrid model implemented after India’s refusal to play in Pakistan. With an impressive rise to world No. 1 status, Pakistan is riding high after a dominant 3-0 victory against Afghanistan.

ODI ranking: 1
Captain: Babar Azam
Key players: Babar (batsman), Shaheen Shah Afridi (left-arm fast bowler), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper-batsman)
Asia Cup best: Winners 2000, 2012 (both 50-over)

India

The cricketing powerhouse and record-holders of Asia Cup titles, India enters the tournament as the favorites, aiming for an eighth championship.

ODI ranking: 3
Captain: Rohit Sharma
Key players: Virat Kohli (batsman), Hardik Pandya (all-rounder), Jasprit Bumrah (fast bowler)
Asia Cup best: Winners 1984, 1988, 1990, 1995, 2010, 2018 (50-over), and 2016 (T20)

Nepal

Making their Asia Cup debut, Nepal faces a tough challenge against cricketing giants India and Pakistan. Despite reaching the World Cup qualifiers, Nepal fell short of the 50-over showpiece qualification.

ODI ranking: 15
Captain: Rohit Paudel
Key players: Aarif Sheikh (batsman), Paudel (batting all-rounder), Sandeep Lamichhane (leg-spinner), Aasif Sheikh (wicketkeeper-batsman)
Asia Cup best: Debut 2023

Group B: Pursuit of Glory

Bangladesh

The Tigers, having reached three Asia Cup finals without a victory, confront challenges as captain Tamim Iqbal is sidelined due to a back injury.

ODI ranking: 7
Captain: Shakib al Hasan
Key players: Shakib (batting all-rounder), Mushfiqur Rahim (wicketkeeper-batsman), Mehedi Hasan Miraz (all-rounder)
Asia Cup best: Runner-up (50-over) 2012, 2018, (T20) 2016

Sri Lanka

Co-hosts Sri Lanka, a dominant force in the Asia Cup history, boast six championships. Despite their victory in the T20 format last year, injuries have posed challenges for this edition.

ODI ranking: 8
Captain: Dasun Shanaka
Key players: Kusal Mendis (opener), Dhananjaya de Silva (all-rounder)
Asia Cup best: Winners (50-over) 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014, and (T20) 2022

Afghanistan

With their formidable spin attack, Afghanistan, in their second Asia Cup appearance, can potentially upset top teams on their day.

ODI ranking: 9
Captain: Hashmatullah Shahidi
Key players: Rashid Khan (leg-spinner), Mohammad Nabi (all-rounder), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (off-spinner)
Asia Cup best: Super Four 2018 (50-over), 2022 (T20)

The 2023 Asia Cup promises cricket enthusiasts an enthralling display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship as the teams battle for supremacy in the heart of the subcontinent.

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Possible Alterations in Pakistan Lineup Anticipated for 3rd ODI Against Afghanistan

Mainul Islam — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 10:26:32 +0000

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) team management is poised to introduce significant changes to the playing XI for the concluding match of the ODI series against Afghanistan. Sources reveal that a minimum of three changes are in the pipeline, following Pakistan’s triumphant 2-0 series lead against Afghanistan on Thursday. The final match is set to unfold in Colombo, Sri Lanka, today.

Probable Changes in Lineup

Saud Shakeel, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, and Wasim Junior are reportedly in contention for a spot in the playing XI for today’s match. Conversely, suggestions have emerged regarding the possible resting of Iftikhar Ahmed, Osama Mir, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.

While the team management contemplated implementing four changes in the playing eleven, the ultimate decision will be unveiled prior to the toss later in the day.

Victory Bears Additional Fruit

A victory for Pakistan in the upcoming match holds more significance than the series win alone. Pakistan’s exhilarating one-wicket triumph over Afghanistan in Hambantota resulted in an augmentation of Pakistan’s ODI team rating. The Green Shirts are now in close proximity to securing the top position currently held by Australia.

According to an official statement from the ICC, “The Asian side could claim the premier position as the No.1 ranked one-day side as early as Saturday with a victory over Afghanistan in the third and final match of their series.”

Squads in Action

Pakistan Squad: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir, Saud Shakeel (exclusively for Afghanistan series), Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi.

Afghanistan Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Wafadar Momand.

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Pakistan Clinches Thrilling ODI Series Victory Against Afghanistan

Mainul Islam — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:23:33 +0000

In a gripping encounter on Thursday, Pakistan secured a triumphant one-wicket win over Afghanistan in the second One Day International held in Hambantota. This thrilling victory allowed Pakistan to clinch the three-match series, with the third and final ODI scheduled for Saturday in Colombo.

Imam-ul-Haq's Heroics Lead Pakistan to Series Victory

Chasing a target of 301 runs for a series-clinching triumph, Pakistan showcased remarkable determination. They reached their goal with just one ball to spare, thanks to Imam-ul-Haq’s impressive innings of 91 runs from 105 balls. The 1-wicket win underscored Imam’s crucial contribution to the team’s success.

Key Contributions from Babar Azam and Shadab Khan

The Pakistani batting lineup exhibited resilience and skill, with Babar Azam and Shadab Khan playing pivotal roles. Babar scored a valuable 53 runs, while Shadab Khan contributed an important 48 runs. Their performances complemented Imam-ul-Haq’s efforts and played a significant part in securing the series victory.

Afghanistan's Strong Effort Falls Short

Despite Afghanistan’s commendable improvement following their previous defeat, where they were bowled out for just 59 runs, their performance in this match wasn’t enough to prevent Pakistan from clinching the series. Fazalhaq Farooqi took three wickets, and Mohammad Nabi secured two, showing Afghanistan’s fighting spirit.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz's Heroic Knock

Afghanistan’s swashbuckling opener, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, delivered a standout performance by scoring a career-best 151 runs. His aggressive century, achieved at a run-a-ball rate, set the foundation for Afghanistan’s total of 300/5. Gurbaz’s remarkable partnership of 227 runs with Ibrahim Zadran significantly boosted Afghanistan’s innings.

Zadran's Valuable Contribution

Ibrahim Zadran’s contribution was vital in Afghanistan’s batting effort. He scored 80 runs from 101 balls, forming a formidable opening partnership with Gurbaz. Zadran’s performance included six boundaries and two sixes, further emphasizing Afghanistan’s strong intent.

Pakistan's Bowling Highlights

Pakistan’s bowlers showcased their skills against Afghanistan’s powerful batting lineup. Spinner Usama Mir broke the formidable opening partnership by dismissing Zadran, while pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed the crucial wicket of Gurbaz. Shaheen also dismissed Rashid Khan for just two runs, ending with figures of 2/58.

Series Result and Looking Ahead

With this hard-fought victory, Pakistan secured the series win, with one match still to be played. The third and final ODI promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for supremacy on the cricket field.

Match Summary

Afghanistan: 300/5 (Gurbaz 151, Zadran 80)
Pakistan: 302/9 in 49.5 overs (Imam 91, Babar 53)
Result: Pakistan won by 1 wicket

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Pakistan and Afghanistan Gear Up for ODI Clash in Sri Lanka

Mainul Islam — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 16:13:54 +0000

With eager anticipation, the cricketing world turns its attention to the exciting clash between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as they embark on a riveting three-match one-day international series in Sri Lanka. This series, commencing on Tuesday, carries immense significance as Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, recognizes its importance as a valuable preparation ground for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup tournaments.

Pathway to Glory: Asia Cup and World Cup

This landmark bilateral ODI series marks just the beginning of a captivating cricketing journey. Following these spirited encounters, both teams will transition seamlessly into the high-stakes arena of the six-nation Asia Cup, set to unfold in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, commencing on August 30. The fervor continues as the cricketing focus then shifts to the prestigious World Cup, slated to take place in India from October 5.

Afghanistan's Home Series Amidst Security Concerns

Afghanistan, constrained by security apprehensions, finds itself in a unique predicament, unable to host international cricket matches on its own soil. Thus, this series gains a special resonance as they face Pakistan in their home series, albeit on neutral grounds.

A Testing Ground for Excellence

Babar Azam elucidates, “These three matches are a good opportunity for us to test our players in the match situation.” The driving force behind Pakistan’s campaign, Azam, stands as the top-ranked ODI batsman and leads a formidable team. Complemented by the prowess of openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, ranked third and fourth respectively, Pakistan bolsters its lineup. The team’s potency extends to an imposing pace attack, featuring the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.

Afghanistan's Revival and Rashid Khan's Return

Afghanistan eagerly welcomes back world-class spinner Rashid Khan, fully recovered after withdrawing from England’s The Hundred competition. In light of Afghanistan’s recent victories, Azam affirms, “Afghanistan have developed into a good side,” referencing their triumphant 2-1 ODI series win against Bangladesh.

No Room for Complacency

Azam’s conviction resounds, “We are not going to take these matches lightly,” despite Pakistan’s track record of triumphing in all four ODIs against Afghanistan since their inaugural clash in 2012. Azam emphasizes the team’s readiness to navigate spin bowling, making the series a thrilling spectacle.

Afghanistan's Lineup and Match Details

Under the captaincy of Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan introduces fresh talents, including fast bowlers Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Wafadar Momand. The series kicks off in Hambantota on Tuesday, followed by the remaining two matches in Colombo on Thursday and Saturday.

Squads:

Pakistan: Babar Azam (capt), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Haris, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Wafadar Momand

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Pakistan Announces Squad for Afghanistan Series and Asia Cup

Mainul Islam — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:27:13 +0000

Faheem Ashraf's Return to the Fold

Allrounder Faheem Ashraf has made a significant return to a formidable Pakistan squad for the upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan and the subsequent Asia Cup. The squad was unveiled by selectors on Wednesday.

An Experienced Allrounder

Faheem Ashraf, aged 29, has earned his place back in the squad after his last appearance in one-day internationals in England in July 2021. The decision to include him was backed by chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, who deemed his performances worthy of selection.

“Inzamam said in Lahore, ‘We have picked 18 players for the Afghanistan series and one less for the Asia Cup and Ashraf was the best pace-bowling allrounder available to us,'” highlighting the rationale behind the selection.

Leadership Under Babar Azam

Babar Azam will continue to lead the squad across both the Afghanistan series and the Asia Cup, providing a strong and consistent presence at the helm.

Fixture Details

The ODI series against Afghanistan is scheduled for August 22, 24, and 26, and will be held in Sri Lanka. Following this series, the Asia Cup is slated to take place from August 30 to September 17.

Hybrid Squad Strategy

Pakistan’s squad strategy includes the inclusion of middle-order batter Saud Shakeel after a year-long hiatus, specifically for the Afghanistan series. The squad aims to strike a balance between seasoned players and emerging talent.

Notable Exclusions

Former vice-captain Shan Masood missed out on selection this time, while pacer Ihsanullah’s absence is attributed to injury.

World Cup Preparations

Inzamam, who was recently appointed chief selector, expressed his aspirations for the squad’s preparation leading up to the World Cup in India, scheduled from October 5 to November 19. He emphasized that the selected players have also been chosen with an eye on the World Cup, with the collective goal of bringing accolades to the nation.

The Squad Lineup

The Pakistan squad for both the Afghanistan series and the Asia Cup consists of the following players: Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Agha Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Saud Shakeel (only for Afghanistan series). This lineup reflects a strategic blend of talent, experience, and potential.

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