Introduction
Afghanistan is preparing for an exciting three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled to take place in Sharjah, UAE, starting from September 18. However, the team faces a setback as top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran has been ruled out of the series due to an ankle injury. On the brighter side, Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner, Rashid Khan, makes his much-anticipated return to the squad after a long recovery period following back surgery.
Ibrahim Zadran’s Injury and Replacement
Ibrahim Zadran, one of Afghanistan’s key top-order batters, will miss the upcoming series due to an ankle sprain. He injured himself while playing in the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand. The 21-year-old’s absence is a significant loss for Afghanistan, as Zadran has been a reliable performer in recent times.
To fill the gap left by Zadran, Afghanistan has called upon the talented top-order batter Abdul Malik. Malik, who has shown great potential in domestic cricket, will be a vital addition to the squad. His inclusion provides Afghanistan with an opportunity to test the depth of their batting lineup against a formidable South African side.
Rashid Khan’s Return
The biggest highlight for Afghanistan is the return of their ace leg-spinner, Rashid Khan. Rashid has not played in the ODI format since the conclusion of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. After undergoing back surgery, he was sidelined for several series, including matches against the UAE, India, Sri Lanka, and Ireland.
Rashid’s comeback is crucial for Afghanistan as they take on a challenging opponent in South Africa. Known for his match-winning performances, Rashid will strengthen Afghanistan’s bowling attack. His ability to take wickets in the middle overs and control the run rate makes him one of the most valuable players in the team.
Other Key Absences
Besides Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan will also miss the services of their mystery spinner, Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Mujeeb is still recovering from an injury to his right-hand index finger. His absence leaves a gap in Afghanistan’s spin department, which has been one of the team’s key strengths.
To cover for Mujeeb’s absence, Afghanistan has included Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar in the squad. Ghazanfar has shown promise in recent matches, and the selectors are confident in his ability to perform at the international level.
New Faces in the Squad
Afghanistan’s squad for the series also includes some exciting young talents. Darwish Rasooli, who has already made a name for himself in T20 Internationals, is in line to make his ODI debut. The 24-year-old batter has been in excellent form recently, impressing with consistent performances in the List A Cup and the SCL9 tournament.
Rasooli’s inclusion is a reflection of Afghanistan’s strategy to blend experience with young talent. If given the opportunity, Rasooli could become a vital part of Afghanistan’s batting lineup, especially in the absence of Ibrahim Zadran.
Afghanistan’s Preparation for the Series
Afghanistan has named a 17-member squad for the series, featuring a mix of experienced players and young talents. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the side, with Rahmat Shah serving as the vice-captain. The team also includes experienced players like Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib, who will play crucial roles in stabilizing the batting and bowling departments.
With Rashid Khan returning and young talents like Abdul Malik and Darwish Rasooli eager to prove themselves, Afghanistan looks well-prepared to take on South Africa. The three-match series will also mark the first bilateral ODI series between Afghanistan and South Africa, making it a historic moment for both teams.
Afghanistan’s Squad for the Series
Afghanistan’s squad for the three-match ODI series against South Africa is as follows:
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
- Rahmat Shah (VC)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
- Ikram Alikhil (WK)
- Abdul Malik
- Riaz Hassan
- Darwish Rasooli
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan
- Nangyal Kharoti
- Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar
- Fazal Haq Farooqi
- Bilal Sami
- Naveed Zadran
- Farid Ahmad Malik
This squad balances experience with emerging talent, giving Afghanistan the flexibility to handle different match situations.
Historical First for Afghanistan and South Africa
This ODI series marks the first time Afghanistan and South Africa will face each other in a bilateral series. Previously, the two teams met only in the 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cups, with South Africa emerging victorious on both occasions. However, Afghanistan has grown significantly as a cricketing nation, and this series will be a good opportunity to test their strength against one of the top cricket teams in the world.
Venue and Schedule
All three matches of the series will be played in Sharjah, UAE. Known for its spin-friendly conditions, Sharjah will provide an ideal stage for Afghanistan’s spinners, including Rashid Khan, to make an impact. The pitches are likely to offer turn and bounce, which will make spin bowling a key factor in the series.
Here is the schedule for the series:
- 1st ODI – September 18, Sharjah
- 2nd ODI – September 21, Sharjah
- 3rd ODI – September 24, Sharjah
Conclusion
The upcoming series between Afghanistan and South Africa promises to be an exciting contest. While Afghanistan faces the challenge of missing key players like Ibrahim Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, the return of Rashid Khan adds much-needed strength to the squad. With young talents like Abdul Malik and Darwish Rasooli eager to prove their worth, Afghanistan has the potential to surprise their opponents.
As both teams step onto the field for their first-ever bilateral ODI series, cricket fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see how Afghanistan fares against the experienced South African side. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
