Image Source: X – Afghanistan Cricket Board
[Saba Sports News] On February 12, Afghanistan unveiled their 16-player roster for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, commencing on February 17 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. The subsequent matches are scheduled for February 19 and 21, all at the same venue. In Rashid Khan’s continued absence due to back surgery recovery, Ibrahim Zadran will captain the team.
The team faces additional challenges as Mujeeb Ur Rahman is sidelined with a right hand sprain acquired before the current ODI series with Sri Lanka. Moreover, Mohammad Saleem Safi, a 21-year-old fast bowler who debuted in the third T20I against India, has been excluded from the lineup due to a hamstring injury.
Wafadar Momand, a 24-year-old right-arm fast bowler, steps in as Safi’s replacement. Momand, with two Tests and one T20I under his belt, last represented Afghanistan in a match against Bangladesh in July 2023.
Afghanistan’s selection committee, led by chief selector Ahmad Shah, aims to blend experienced and emerging talents in preparation for the T20 World Cup 2024. Shah emphasized the importance of utilizing the series against Sri Lanka and the upcoming T20Is against Ireland in March to evaluate the team’s depth and finalize their squad for the global tournament.
The announced Afghan squad for the series against Sri Lanka includes: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Mohammad Ishaq Rahimi (WK), Hazratullah Zazai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmad, Wafadar Momand, and Qais Ahmad.