Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan in Sri Lanka on Sunday, August 06. The selection comes as Afghanistan seeks to solidify their team combination in preparation for the ODI World Cup 2023 in India, starting from October 05.
Notably, left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad has made a comeback to the team, adding depth and variety to the bowling attack.
However, left-arm spinner Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, who recently made his ODI debut against Bangladesh, has been left out of the squad, alongside uncapped leg-spinner Izharulhaq Naveed, who was previously part of the Test squad.
Meanwhile, seamers Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand, who played in the recent Bangladesh ODI series, have retained their spots. Check complete details on the Afghanistan squad for the Pakistan series, schedule and more.
Afghanistan and Pakistan Set to Clash in Thrilling 3-match ODI Series
The excitement builds as the stage is set for a thrilling three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and Pakistan, scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, August 22. The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota will witness the first showdown, followed by the second ODI at the same venue on August 24. The action will then shift to the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo for the third and final ODI on August 26.
PAK vs AFG ODI Series: Complete schedule
22 August – 1st ODI, Hambantota
24 August – 2nd ODI, Hambantota
26 August – 3rd ODI, Colombo
Afghanistan ODI squad for Pakistan Series
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, 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.
Reserves: Farid Ahmad Malik and Shahidullah Kamal.
A team for Asia Cup and World Cup 2023
ACB Chief Selector Asadullah Khan emphasized that the primary focus is on preparing the team for the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup 2023. The series against Pakistan provides the perfect opportunity for Afghanistan to fine-tune their strategies and combinations.
“Our whole concentration is to prepare the team for the upcoming two big events of Asia Cup and the World Cup 2023. This three-match ODI series against Pakistan provides us with a wonderful opportunity to prepare the team for the forthcoming two events,” Khan stated.
He further stated that to ensure the players are in optimal form, the team will undergo a week-long conditioning camp ahead of the series, building on their recent performances at the Kabul Camp under the supervision of ACB’s HPC staff.
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