Afghanistan's Boost as Mujeeb Ur Rahman Returns for Zimbabwe Tour

Mujeeb Ur Rahman makes his comeback to Afghanistan's squad for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, bringing strength to their bowling attack.

Afghanistan has been strengthened by the return of Mujeeb Ur Rahman for their upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. After recovering from a right phalanx sprain, Mujeeb has been named in both the T20I and ODI squads. His return is a massive boost for the team, as he is considered a key player in their bowling attack.

In addition to Mujeeb’s return, Afghanistan’s squad sees the inclusion of the talented young batter Zubaid Akbari for the first time. Akbari’s remarkable form in domestic cricket, including his impressive contribution to Afghanistan’s Emerging Asia Cup victory, has earned him a spot in the squad for the T20I series. Furthermore, Darwish Rasooli, the captain of the winning side at the Emerging Teams Cup, has been called up to the T20I squad as well.

However, Ibrahim Zadran will not be participating in the tour due to his ongoing recovery from ankle surgery that he underwent in England earlier this year.

Afghanistan’s Optimism Ahead of Zimbabwe Tour

Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s recovery is a significant development for Afghanistan, as he is one of their key bowlers, especially in the shorter formats of the game. Ahmad Shah, the Interim Chief Selector of Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), expressed optimism about Mujeeb’s return, stating, “It's a great feeling to see our frontline spinner, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, recover from his injury and be available for selection. He is an essential member of our squad, and we hope he continues to shine brightly for Afghanistan.”

In addition to Mujeeb’s return, the selectors are excited about the performances of Zubaid Akbari and Darwish Rasooli, who have shown their potential in domestic cricket and the ACC Emerging Teams Cup. The squad is bolstered by these fresh faces, and Afghanistan is hopeful that their presence will bring new energy to the team for the series against Zimbabwe.

The Tour Details

The tour is set to begin on December 11 with a three-match T20I series. This will be followed by three ODIs. After the white-ball matches in Harare, the two teams will proceed to Bulawayo for two Test matches.

Afghanistan's T20I and ODI Squads for Zimbabwe Tour

T20I Squad:Rashid Khan (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Mohammad Ishaq (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Darwish Rasooli, Zubaid Akbari, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, and Naveen Ul Haq.

ODI Squad:Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran, and Farid Ahmad Malik.

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