Afghanistan legspinner Rashid Khan is set to make his ODI comeback after nearly a year, having been named in the 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match series against South Africa in the UAE. This will be Rashid’s first ODI appearance since the World Cup last October-November.
Despite Rashid’s return, Afghanistan will be without key spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who is still recovering from a sprained index finger. Additionally, wristspinner Noor Ahmad has been left out of the squad. Chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil has confirmed that offspinner AM Ghazanfar, who debuted in ODIs in March, will step in for Mujeeb during the series.
Rashid was previously sidelined due to back surgery he underwent after last year’s World Cup, causing him to miss several assignments including matches against UAE, India, Sri Lanka, and Ireland. He also had to withdraw from T20 leagues such as the BBL, PSL, and SA20. Rashid’s return to action began with the Ireland T20Is in March.
Since his surgery, Rashid has primarily played T20 matches, participating in the IPL, T20 World Cup, MLC, the Hundred, and Afghanistan’s domestic T20 competition, the Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL). However, he faced further setbacks with a hamstring injury during the Hundred and recurring back issues at the SCL.
.Bilal Sami
In addition to Rashid, Afghanistan has called up uncapped medium-pace bowler Bilal Sami and top-order batsmen Darwish Rasooli and Abdul Malik for the ODIs against South Africa. Malik is included as cover for the injured Ibrahim Zadran, who is ruled out with an ankle sprain.
The ODI series begins on September 18 in Sharjah. This series marks the first bilateral ODI meetings between Afghanistan and South Africa, who have previously faced each other only at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups. For Afghanistan, this series will serve as preparation for the Champions Trophy early next year, following their qualification by finishing sixth in the 2023 World Cup league stage.
Afghanistan’s ODI squad vs South Africa
Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Abdul Malik, Ikram Alikhil, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Riaz Hassan, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Nangeyalia Kharote, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, AM Ghazanfar, Naveed Zadran, Bilal Sami, Fareed Ahmad
