Asghar Stanikzai is all set to become the first test captain for the Afghans as the board announced a 16- strong squad for the one-off test against India. The match will be played at Bangalore from June 14-18.
It is to be noted that Ireland and Afghanistan were granted full member status by the ICC a few months back. Ireland announced their arrival in style as Kevin O Brien smashed a blistering century against Pakistan at Dublin.
The match went down the wire till the last day, as Pakistan won by five wickets. Critics and experts heaped accolades on the Irish team as they proved their competency in the longest format of the game.
The squad comprised most of the limited overs specialists namely: Mohammed Shahzad, Nabi, Javed Ahmadi and Nasir Jamal. The entire squad has a first class experience of 200+ matches and it will be interesting how they can create an impact in the match at Bangalore.
The bowling will be led by young sensation Rashid Khan who will be assisted by Mujeeb, Zahir Khan and Hamza Hotak. Mujeeb played a vital role by providing breakthroughs in the middle overs for the Kings XI Punjab.
Zahir hadn”t made it to the Rajasthan Royals squad due to an injury. Nonetheless, these group of young spinners will try to bring out their best in the spin-friendly conditions at Chinnaswamy.
The pace department will be handled by Yamin Ahmadzai Wafadar and Sayed Ahmed Shirzad. Dawlat Zadran has been ruled out due to a knee injury and this is really a worry for the Afghan squad.
Afghanistan Test squad: Asghar Stanikzai (capt), Mohammad Shahzad, Javed Ahmadi, Ihsanullah Jannat, Rahmat Shah, Nasir Jamal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afsar Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Zahir Khan, Hamza Hotak, Syed Ahmad Sherzad, Yamin Ahmadzai, Wafadar Momand, Mujeeb ur Rahman
Afghanistan squad for historic one-off Test against India#AFGvIND #HistoricTest pic.twitter.com/1mbZaQkszU
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) May 29, 2018
Afghanistan will also play a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh at Dehradun.
Afghanistan T20 squad: Asghar Stanikzai (capt), Mohammad Shahzad, Najeebullah Tarakai, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Shafiqullah Shafaq, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Jannat, Rashid Khan, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Shapoor Zadran, Aftab Alam
Afghanistan squads for T20I Bangladesh Series and one-off India Test announced
Read more: https://t.co/yhziQUjDIE pic.twitter.com/8BuXcRJpje— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) May 29, 2018
