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Afghanistan is set to face South Africa in a highly anticipated three-match ODI series starting September 18, 2024, in Sharjah. This series is significant, as it marks the first bilateral ODI contest between the two nations. The return of Afghanistan’s star all-rounder and spin wizard Rashid Khan has added to the excitement, especially after his absence from the previous series against Ireland due to injury.
Hashmatullah Shahidi will captain Afghanistan, with Rahmat Shah serving as his deputy. The squad comprises several seasoned players, including former captain Mohammad Nabi and the versatile Gulbadin Naib. Afghanistan’s bowling unit receives a massive boost with Rashid’s inclusion, while fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi leads the pace attack.
Despite the exciting return of Rashid Khan, Afghanistan will be without two key players—opener Ibrahim Zadran and spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Zadran, who was in excellent form, is sidelined due to an ankle injury, while Mujeeb continues to recover from a finger injury. In their place, young prospects Abdul Malik and Darwish Rasooli have been called up, adding fresh energy to the side. Abdul Malik, a right-handed top-order batsman, has been performing well in domestic cricket, while Darwish Rasooli has impressed with his consistent performances in Afghanistan’s List A competitions.
The squad also includes Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, a promising spinner, who will likely fill Mujeeb’s role in the upcoming matches. Ghazanfar’s inclusion highlights Afghanistan’s strategy of nurturing young talent, with eyes firmly on the future.
Rashid Khan’s return is undoubtedly the most significant development for Afghanistan. Known for his game-changing abilities with both bat and ball, his presence will be critical in countering South Africa’s strong batting lineup. Rashid’s mastery of spin, combined with his ability to chip in valuable runs lower down the order, makes him one of the most valuable players in world cricket today.
Afghanistan will be looking to build on their recent international successes, where they have consistently competed well in ICC tournaments. Rashid’s return provides them with much-needed stability and balance as they aim to topple a powerful South African side.
South Africa will not be an easy opponent, especially given their strong record in ODI cricket. They come into this series with a well-rounded squad featuring quality batsmen and an aggressive pace attack. Their recent performances in ICC events have showcased their strength, and they will be eager to assert their dominance over Afghanistan in this historic series. Afghanistan will need to fire on all cylinders to secure a memorable victory.
This series is a huge milestone for Afghanistan cricket, marking the first time they will face South Africa in a bilateral series outside ICC events. Afghanistan has had limited opportunities to play against top-tier nations like South Africa, and this series presents a unique chance for them to make a statement on the world stage.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) expressed their excitement, emphasizing how important it is for their team to compete in more bilateral series against top nations. CEO Naseeb Khan pointed out that Afghanistan has shown strong performances in recent ICC events, and they are now focusing on becoming equally competitive in bilateral cricket.
For Afghanistan, this series against South Africa is more than just a cricketing contest; it’s a step towards greater international recognition. With key players returning and young talent eager to prove themselves, Afghanistan has a balanced squad that can challenge South Africa on any given day. The series will also serve as a testing ground for players like Abdul Malik and Darwish Rasooli, who have the opportunity to cement their places in the national team.
With Rashid Khan back, the bowling attack looks formidable, and the likes of Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib will bring experience and balance to the side. If Afghanistan can click as a unit, they have the potential to make this series an unforgettable one.
As the cricketing world watches, Afghanistan is set to take another giant leap forward in its cricketing journey. Their fans will hope that Rashid Khan’s magic, coupled with the hunger of their young talents, will lead them to a memorable series win over South Africa.