For the first time, Afghanistan and South Africa will play a bilateral ODI series. This significant three-match series will take place from September 18 to September 22 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Historically, these teams have only met during ICC ODI World Cups, making this series a landmark event in their cricketing history.

Rashid Khan returns to action amidst key absences

Afghanistan’s squad features a major boost with the return of leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who has not played an ODI since the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India. Rashid’s inclusion is highly anticipated as he brings valuable experience and skill to Afghanistan’s bowling lineup. However, the team will be missing several key players: Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who is recovering from a sprained index finger, and Ibrahim Zadran, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Noor Ahmad is also absent due to injury. In their place, Abdul Malik has been selected, and Darwish Rasooli could potentially make his ODI debut.

Strategic preparation for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

This series is crucial for both teams as they gear up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The matches will serve as an essential preparation phase, helping both teams fine-tune their strategies and build form ahead of the tournament. For Afghanistan, this series offers a chance to test their squad depth and adjust their game plans without several key players. South Africa will also be looking to solidify their squad and tactics in anticipation of the Champions Trophy, making these matches an important step in their preparation.

Also READ: Cricket South Africa announces squad for ODI series against Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s top-choice playing XI for the ODI series against South Africa:

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) – Opening Batter

Role: Aggressive opening batter and wicketkeeper.
Strengths: Explosive in the powerplay, capable of providing quick starts.
Impact: Sets a solid foundation for the innings with his aggressive play, especially on slower pitches in the UAE.

2. Darwish Rasooli – Opening Batter

Role: Aggressive top-order batter.
Strengths: Can complement Gurbaz with his attacking style, capable of accelerating the innings.
Impact: Provides quick runs at the top, helping to build a strong start.

3. Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) – Captain and Top-Order Batter

Role: Captain and experienced top-order batter.
Strengths: Reliable and steady, capable of anchoring the innings and adapting to different conditions.
Impact: Provides stability and leadership, crucial for building innings and handling pressure.

4. Rahmat Shah (vc) – Vice-Captain and Middle-Order Batter

Role: Vice-captain and key middle-order batter.
Strengths: Technically sound and proficient at rotating strike and accelerating as needed.
Impact: Stabilizes the innings and provides a dependable presence in the middle order.

5. Mohammad Nabi – All-Rounder

Role: Senior all-rounder with spin bowling and lower-order batting capabilities.
Strengths: Effective off-spin bowler and powerful lower-order hitter.
Impact: Adds balance to the team with his dual capabilities, crucial in both batting and bowling departments.

6. Azmatullah Omarzai – All-Rounder

Role: All-rounder contributing with medium-pace bowling and batting.
Strengths: Versatile, can offer balance with contributions in both departments.
Impact: Provides flexibility and depth in the middle overs, both with the bat and ball.

7. Gulbadin Naib – All-Rounder

Role: Seam-bowling all-rounder.
Strengths: Effective with both bat and ball, offers depth and variety.
Impact: Useful for finishing innings and adding balance to the side.

8. Rashid Khan – Leg-Spin Bowler

Role: Premier leg-spinner.
Strengths: World-class spin bowler, excels in extracting turn and bounce.
Impact: Key wicket-taker and can dominate in the middle overs, especially in spin-friendly conditions.

9. Fazal Haq Farooqi – Fast Bowler

Role: Fast bowler.
Strengths: Provides pace and swing, effective in the powerplay and death overs.
Impact: Offers pace options and the ability to take early wickets and control the flow of runs.

10. Farid Ahmad Malik – Fast Bowler

Role: Fast bowler.
Strengths: Known for his pace and aggression.
Impact: Adds an extra pace option and can be impactful in the middle overs and death overs.

11. Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar – Off-Spin Bowler

Role: Off-spin bowler.
Strengths: Provides variety to the spin attack with his off-spin.
Impact: Useful for tying down batters and breaking partnerships in the middle overs.

Also READ: Afghanistan announces squad for the ODI series against South Africa in UAE; Rashid Khan returns

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