Star Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan is set to make his long-awaited return to Test cricket after being named in Afghanistan’s 18-player squad for the upcoming two-match series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. This will mark Rashid’s first red-ball appearance since March 2021, when he last played against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi.
Rashid Khan’s Red-Ball Comeback
The 26-year-old Rashid, widely regarded as one of the best white-ball bowlers in the world, has played only five Test matches in his career, taking 34 wickets at an impressive average of 22.35. His return to the Test squad signals Afghanistan’s intent to bolster their red-ball lineup as they prepare to face Zimbabwe.
New Faces in the Squad
The squad features seven uncapped players, including promising talents like top-order batter Sediqullah Atal, fast-bowling all-rounder Ismat Alam, and left-arm spinner Zahir Shehzad. These newcomers have been selected based on their standout performances in recent domestic tournaments, including the Ahmad Shah Abdali FC Tournament.
Selector’s Confidence in the Squad
Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, Afghanistan’s interim chief selector, expressed excitement about Rashid’s return and confidence in the team’s preparations. “Rashid Khan’s return is a positive sign for our red-ball cricket. The squad has undergone extensive training in Nangarhar province, where 19 players and support staff worked rigorously to prepare for the series,” Sulimankhil said, as quoted by the ICC.
He further added, “We have carefully monitored the players and selected a balanced squad that includes both experienced players and fresh talent, such as Ismat Alam, Bashir Ahmad, and Zahir Shehzad, who impressed in recent domestic matches.”
Series Schedule
The two-match series will be played in Bulawayo, with the first Test scheduled from December 26-30, followed by the second Test from January 2-6.
Afghanistan Test Squad
Main Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhail, Afsar Zazai, Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Baheer Shah Mahboob, Ismat Alam, Azmatullah Omarzai, Zahir Khan, Zia Ur Rehman Akbar, Zahir Shehzad, Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad Afghan, Naveed Zadran, Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Reserves: Nasir Jamal, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai.
Afghanistan’s blend of experienced players and young talent promises an exciting series, with Rashid Khan’s return being a major highlight as they aim to strengthen their Test cricket performance.
