Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has skipped the much-awaited Boxing Day Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that Rashid’s absence is due to personal reasons, specifically his commitment to a charity event.
Details of Rashid Khan’s absence
Rashid, who has not played a Test match since March 2021, was initially included in the 18-member squad for the two-match series against Zimbabwe. However, he withdrew from the opening Test a day before the scheduled start of the match. An ACB official stated, “He is away for a charity event for the first Test, as far as I am aware,” clarifying that his focus was on this important commitment rather than participating in the match.
Rashid’s performance in Test cricket
Rashid Khan has been a pivotal player for Afghanistan, known for his exceptional bowling skills and ability to change the course of a game. His record in Test cricket includes 34 wickets in just five matches, with an impressive bowling average of 22.35. Despite his talent, Rashid has faced challenges with injuries that have kept him out of several recent Test series, including those against New Zealand and others earlier this year.The leg-spinner’s absence is a significant blow to the Afghanistan team as they look to build on their recent success in limited-overs formats. Afghanistan recently secured a 2-1 victory in a T20I series against Zimbabwe and aims to carry that momentum into the Test arena.
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The second Test is set to take place at the same venue from January 2, 2025, and it is expected that Rashid will rejoin the squad for that game.
ZIM vs AFG: Playing XI of both teams
Afghanistan: Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Allah Ghazanfar, Afsar Zazai (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Shahidullah Kamal, Naveed Zadran, Zia-ur-Rehman, Zahir Khan
Zimbabwe: Joylord Gumbie (wk), Ben Curran, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (c), Dion Myers, Brandon Mavuta, Brian Bennett, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu
Also READ: ZIM vs AFG 2024, 1st Test – Queens Sports Club Pitch Report, Bulawayo Test stats and Records
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