Afghanistan has unveiled its squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, set to take place from November 6 to 11, 2024, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE. This series will be an important test for the team as it continues to build momentum ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy in early 2025. Most notably, wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad returns to the squad after a brief absence, adding a crucial element to Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
The selection committee made a few strategic changes to the squad, retaining much of the team that secured an impressive 2-1 series victory over South Africa. However, Afghanistan will still be missing some key players due to injuries, such as star batter Ibrahim Zadran and frontline spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Noor Ahmad’s Return Strengthens Spin Department
Noor Ahmad’s return to the squad is a significant boost for Afghanistan, especially given the absence of Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Ahmad, who recently impressed in the Caribbean Premier League, has developed into one of Afghanistan’s most reliable spinners. During the CPL, he played for the St. Lucia Kings and ended the tournament as the Player of the Series, having taken 22 wickets. His form and experience will be vital as Afghanistan looks to challenge Bangladesh’s strong batting lineup.
Ahmad missed Afghanistan’s previous series against South Africa, where the team made history by defeating a top-five ranked side for the first time. His absence was felt, but the team still managed to perform exceptionally well, particularly in the spin department. With Noor Ahmad back, the spin attack gains more depth and diversity, which is expected to be pivotal against Bangladesh’s skilled batsmen.
Sediqullah Atal Replaces Ibrahim Zadran
Another major change in the squad is the inclusion of Sediqullah Atal, a promising left-hand top-order batter. Atal replaces Ibrahim Zadran, who is recovering from ankle surgery. The 22-year-old Atal has been in great form in domestic cricket and was one of the standout performers in the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, leading the run-scoring charts. His addition is intended to fill the void left by Zadran, who has been a crucial figure in Afghanistan’s top order over the past few years.
Atal’s inclusion is seen as an opportunity for Afghanistan to test new talent ahead of the Champions Trophy, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in the face of Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack. He has six T20I caps to his name, but this series will mark one of his first major challenges in the 50-over format on the international stage.
Missing Key Players
While Noor Ahmad’s return is a positive sign, Afghanistan will be without some of their established stars for this series. Ibrahim Zadran’s absence is a major blow to the team, as he has been one of their most consistent performers at the top of the order. Zadran recently underwent surgery in England and is currently undergoing rehabilitation, aiming to be fully fit in time for the Champions Trophy.
Similarly, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, another key player, will miss the series due to a hand injury. Mujeeb has been a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s bowling attack for several years, especially in the powerplay overs, where his ability to extract turn and bounce has troubled top-class batsmen. His absence means the spin department will rely more heavily on Noor Ahmad and the experienced Rashid Khan to lead the attack.
A Balanced Squad
Despite the absence of some key players, Afghanistan’s squad for the Bangladesh series remains well-balanced. The team will be captained by Hashmatullah Shahidi, who has been in solid form with the bat. Other notable names include Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who will play crucial roles in both batting and bowling.
Rashid Khan, who is Afghanistan’s most experienced player and arguably the best spinner in world cricket, will once again be the linchpin of the bowling attack. His experience in ODIs, combined with Noor Ahmad’s fresh energy, will be critical in containing Bangladesh’s middle order.
Mohammad Nabi, the veteran all-rounder, brings stability to the lower middle order and is expected to contribute with both bat and ball. Nabi’s role will be especially important in balancing the side, providing crucial breakthroughs with his off-spin and adding depth to the batting lineup.
The Importance of the Bangladesh Series
This series against Bangladesh is not just about maintaining momentum from the South Africa victory; it’s also an essential part of Afghanistan’s preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The Afghan Cricket Board has emphasized that ODI cricket is a key focus for the team as they continue to climb the rankings in white-ball cricket.
Bangladesh has traditionally been a challenging opponent for Afghanistan, especially in spin-friendly conditions. With both teams looking to sharpen their skills ahead of major tournaments, this series promises to be a thrilling contest. Afghanistan’s mix of experienced players and rising stars like Noor Ahmad and Sediqullah Atal will face a stern test against Bangladesh, but it is an opportunity for the team to show their progress on the international stage.
As Afghanistan continues to build for the future, the return of key players like Noor Ahmad and the emergence of talents like Sediqullah Atal reflect the team’s growing depth and ambition. The Bangladesh series will serve as a vital checkpoint in their journey toward becoming a dominant force in world cricket.