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Afghanistan offspinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been included in the white-ball squads for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe after recovering from a hand injury. Mujeeb, who last played for Afghanistan in June, returned to competitive cricket at the Abu Dhabi T10 on November 21 after a five-month layoff due to a right phalanx sprain.
The tour also marks a milestone for Zubaid Akbari, the promising top-order batter, who has earned his maiden T20I call-up. Darwish Rasooli, another top-order batter, also returns to the T20I squad after a stellar domestic season.
Key Inclusions and Absentees
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman: His recovery and return to the squad is a major boost for Afghanistan, providing depth in their bowling attack.
- Zubaid Akbari: Akbari impressed in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, scoring 137 runs at a strike rate of 131.73.
- Darwish Rasooli: The Afghanistan A skipper led his team to victory in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup and has been rewarded for his consistent performances.
Notably, Afghanistan will still miss the services of top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran, who is recovering from recent ankle surgery. Meanwhile, Noor Ahmad is included in the T20I squad but misses out on the ODIs, and Riaz Hassan has been omitted from the ODI squad altogether.
ACB’s Statement
ACB interim chief selector Ahmad Shah emphasized Mujeeb’s importance to the squad:
“It’s a great feeling to see our frontline spinner, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, recover from his injury and be available for selection. He is an essential member of our squad, and we hope he continues to shine brightly for Afghanistan.”
On the young call-ups, Shah added:
“Zubaid Akbari and Darwish Rasooli have been consistent performers, not only in domestic cricket but also in the recently concluded ACC Emerging Teams Cup. We wish them the very best for the upcoming series.”
Revised Schedule for White-Ball Series
The dates for the T20Is and ODIs have been adjusted to attract more spectators, particularly for weekend games.
- T20Is: December 11, 13, and 14
- ODIs: December 17, 19, and 21
All matches will be hosted at the Harare Sports Club, with the Test squad yet to be announced.
Squads
ODI Squad:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah (vice-capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran, Farid Ahmad Malik
T20I Squad:
Rashid Khan (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Darwish Rasooli, Zubaid Akbari, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq
