Afghanistan’s spinner, Noor Ahmad, has made a comeback to the national team as they revealed a 16-player squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan. The three-match series is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka from August 22 to 26, serving as preparation for the 2023 Asia Cup. The announcement was made on Sunday, August 6.
Following his exclusion from the ODI series in Bangladesh, the 18-year-old player has now been reinstated. This move by the selectors indicates that Ahmad is being considered for participation in the Asia Cup and the World Cup.
Ahmad had a recent stint in Sri Lanka where he participated in two ODIs, securing only two wickets during the matches. However, his performance in T20s has been outstanding.
Afghnistan's 18-year-old Noor Ahmed. Three important wickets- Tim David, Suryakumar Yadav and Cameron Green. Gujarat Titans have surely hit a gold mine in him. Add Rashid Khan and you have a fantastic spin bowling attack. #GTvsMI #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/eBfZt2ZpHE
— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) April 25, 2023
In the previous edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the left-arm wrist spinner showcased his brilliance by claiming 16 wickets in 13 games for the Gujarat Titans (GT) with an impressive economy rate of 7.82. The Afghanistan spinner holds significant experience participating in the Big Bash League, Pakistan Super League, and The Hundred.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s chief selector, Asadullah Khan, stated: “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.”
He further added: “The preparations for the Pakistan series are progressing well; the players have recently performed well in the Kabul Camp, which has been supervised by ACB’s high performance centre staff. The team will also undergo a week-long conditioning camp prior to the Pakistan Series.”
The lineup of Afghanistan’s team against Pakistan
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper), Ikram Alikhil (Wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Abdul Rahman, and Wafadar Momand.
The reserve players are – Farid Ahmad Malik and Shahidullah Kamal.
Schedule:
22 August: 1st ODI in Hambantota, Sri Lanka
24 August: 2nd ODI in Hambantota, Sri Lanka
26 August: 3rd ODI in Colombo, Sri Lanka
In the four ODIs contested between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Men in Green have remained undefeated, maintaining a perfect win record against their neighbouring team.
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