In the upcoming three-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, set to take place from February 9 to 14 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka will be eager to carry forward the momentum gained from their convincing 10-wicket victory in the one-off Test. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will seek redemption and aim to turn the tables in the limited-overs format after their Test defeat.

Absence of star player Rashid Khan

Hashmatullah Shahidi will continue to lead the Afghanistan side, assuming the captaincy role. However, the absence of star spinner Rashid Khan, who is recovering from back surgery conducted late last year, poses a challenge for Afghanistan. To fill this void, the experienced Qais Ahmad has been included in the squad, providing a valuable addition to the spin department.

Inclusion of important players

This ODI series holds particular significance for Afghanistan as it marks their return to the 50-over format since the ICC World Cup 2023. The team will be determined to make a resounding statement in this series and enhance its cricketing reputation.

The inclusion of reserve players from the CWC 2023, Gulbadin Naib and Fareed Ahmad, adds depth to the squad, and both players have earned their spots for this series. Naveed Zadran, an impressive pacer who showcased his skills in the recent one-off Test against Sri Lanka, also features in the squad as an uncapped player. His presence introduces an element of unpredictability to the Afghan bowling attack.

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Afghanistan’s top-choice playing XI for the ODI series against Sri Lanka:

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz:

Explosive batting: Gurbaz, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, is known for his aggressive batting style, particularly in the powerplays.
Agility behind the stumps: Gurbaz’s quick reflexes and agility as a wicketkeeper make him effective in taking sharp catches and stumpings.
Thrives in pressure: Gurbaz excels in pressure situations, providing a valuable contribution in the early overs.

2. Ibrahim Zadran:

Aggressive batting approach: Ibrahim Zadran brings an aggressive approach to his batting, capable of taking on bowlers and scoring quickly.
Fielding prowess: Zadran’s fielding skills add value to the team’s overall performance, with a strong arm and safe hands.
Versatile contributor: Whether with the bat or on the field, Zadran offers versatility, contributing in multiple facets of the game.

3. Rahmat Shah (Vice-Captain):

Classical batting style: Rahmat Shah, the vice-captain, is a top-order batter with an elegant and classical right-handed batting style.
Versatility against pace and spin: Capable against both pace and spin, Rahmat Shah provides stability at the top of the order.
Setting the tone: Known for setting the tone, Rahmat Shah adapts his approach to either anchor the innings or accelerate as needed.

4. Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain):

Batting prowess: Shahidi, the captain, is a solid middle-order batter with a technique to anchor the innings. He excels in building partnerships.
Leadership qualities: Known for a calm demeanor, Shahidi’s captaincy is marked by strategic decision-making and fostering team cohesion.
Spin mastery: Effective against spin bowling, Shahidi is adept at rotating the strike and finding the gaps.

5. Azmatullah Omarzai:

All-round capabilities: Azmatullah Omarzai is an all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball, adding balance to the team.
Big-hitting batting style: Known for his powerful hitting, Omarzai can be a game-changer in the middle order, particularly in the death overs.
Handy bowling option: Omarzai’s bowling provides a useful option, offering variations and control during crucial phases of the game.

6. Mohammad Nabi:

Experienced all-rounder: Nabi, a seasoned all-rounder, brings a wealth of experience to the squad. His batting and off-spin bowling make him a key player.
Middle-order stability: Nabi’s ability to stabilize the middle order with his composed batting is crucial, providing a reliable option for the team.
Wicket-taking off-spin: As an off-spinner, Nabi has a knack for picking up important wickets, adding control and variety to the bowling attack.

7. Gulbadin Naib:

Medium-fast bowling all-rounder: Gulbadin Naib, a medium-fast bowling all-rounder, contributes with both bat and ball, adding balance to the team.
Batting resilience: Naib’s resilience in the lower order can prove vital in finishing innings and contributing quick runs.
Handy seam bowling: With his seam bowling, Naib provides an additional option for the captain in various bowling situations.

8. Riaz Hassan:

Pace bowling specialist: Riaz Hassan, a pace bowler, adds depth to the squad’s fast bowling department with his ability to generate pace and bounce.
Wicket-taking ability: Known for his knack of taking crucial wickets, Hassan plays a pivotal role in breaking partnerships and providing breakthroughs.
Tactical bowling: With a strategic mindset, Hassan can adapt his bowling style based on match situations, making him a valuable asset.

9. Qais Ahmad:

Leg-spin specialist: Qais Ahmad is a leg-spin specialist, bringing a potent spin option to the squad with his ability to turn the ball both ways.
Wicket-taking threat: Qais poses a wicket-taking threat in the middle overs, often breaking partnerships and creating pressure on the opposition.
Economical bowling: Known for his economical spells, Ahmad can control the run rate and build pressure, making him a crucial part of the spin department.

10. Noor Ahmad:

Left-arm chinaman spinner: Noor Ahmad, a left-arm chinaman spinner, adds a unique dimension to the spin attack, creating variation in the bowling lineup.
Deceptive spin: With his deceptive spin and unorthodox style, Ahmad can surprise batter, potentially leading to breakthroughs in crucial situations.
Youthful zest: Ahmad’s youthful enthusiasm can bring energy to the field, and his unorthodox style may pose challenges for the opposition.

11. Mujeeb Ur Rahman:

Mystery spin bowling: Mujeeb Ur Rahman, known for his mystery spin, can bamboozle batters with a variety of deliveries, including the off-spin, leg-spin, and carrom ball.
Early wicket-taker: Mujeeb’s knack for picking up early wickets in the powerplays makes him a valuable asset, putting pressure on the opposition batters.

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