Afghanistan, ranked 10th in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings, enters the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 as a formidable underdog, led by the dynamic Rashid Khan. With a strong spin attack featuring Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi, recent victories over Pakistan and Ireland highlight their growing T20 prowess.
Rashid Khan’s return from injury adds crucial depth to their bowling while promising young talents like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Noor Ahmad further enrich their squad. Afghanistan aims to start strong in Group C, blending experience with youth to pose a significant threat to their opponents in the tournament.
Here are the five key Afghanistan players from this squad who could be pivotal at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024:
#1 Nangyal Kharoti
Nangyal Kharoti has not participated in any previous T20 World Cups. He made his international debut in March 2024 against Ireland and has been included in Afghanistan’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA
Nangyal Kharoti has excelled in various cricket leagues, notably in the 2020 Shpageeza Cricket League where he was the joint-leading wicket-taker with 13 wickets. He also performed well in the Ghazi Amanullah Khan Regional One Day Tournament for Amo Region. Internationally, he made his debut for Afghanistan in March 2024 against Ireland, taking five wickets in three T20Is with an economy rate of 5.90.
#2 Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Rahmanullah Gurbaz has showcased his talent in the T20 World Cups, particularly during the 2021 and 2022 tournaments. In the 2021 T20 World Cup, he made a significant impact with his aggressive batting style, contributing to Afghanistan’s competitive performances.
During the 2022 edition, Gurbaz played notable innings including a standout performance against Sri Lanka where he scored a quickfire 28 runs off 24 balls, featuring an impressive six over the bowler’s head.
Overall, Gurbaz’s ability to provide quick starts and his fearless approach in the powerplay overs have made him a crucial player for Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup events.
#3 Mohammad Nabi
Mohammad Nabi has had a significant impact in T20 World Cups over the years. He was a key player for Afghanistan in the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, where he was named man of the match in two group-stage victories against Hong Kong and Zimbabwe, helping Afghanistan advance to the Super 10 round.
In that tournament, his all-round performance against England nearly led to an upset, as he took a wicket, a catch, and effected a run-out. In the 2021 T20 World Cup, Nabi captained Afghanistan and led them to a fourth-place finish in their Super 12 group, winning two out of five matches.
Despite a challenging 2022 T20 World Cup campaign where Afghanistan failed to secure a win, Nabi’s leadership and experience continued to be vital for the team. Nabi is expected to be a key player for Afghanistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup, using his experience and all-round abilities to influence games positively.
#4 Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan, the Afghan cricket sensation, has been outstanding in T20 World Cups. Rashid Khan has set numerous records in T20 World Cups, including being the quickest to 50 wickets, youngest captain, and highest wicket-taker for Afghanistan. His exceptional bowling skills and leadership have been pivotal in Afghanistan’s success in the tournament.
In the recent format of IPL 2024, Rashid Khan, the star all-rounder for GT, has acknowledged his dissatisfaction with his wicket count in the IPL 2024 season. Returning to cricket after surgery, the Afghan player hasn’t reached his peak performance level, having only secured 6 wickets in 6 matches.
#5 Mujeeb ur Rahman
Mujeeb ur Rahman has been a consistent performer in T20 cricket, showcasing his skills in various leagues and international tournaments. In previous ICC T20 World Cups, Mujeeb has contributed significantly with his spin bowling, providing crucial breakthroughs for the Afghan team.
In addition to his international performances, Mujeeb has been a sought-after player in T20 leagues around the world. He has represented franchises in tournaments such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Big Bash League (BBL), the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and others, displaying his ability to adapt and excel in different conditions and formats.
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