Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner, Rashid Khan, is set to miss the first Test against Zimbabwe, scheduled to begin on December 26, 2024, in Bulawayo. According to reports, Rashid will be absent due to personal commitments, specifically attending a charity event.
Rashid, who has not featured in a Test match since March 2021, was included in Afghanistan’s 18-member squad for the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe. His absence is considered a significant setback for the team, given his impressive Test record of 34 wickets in five matches at an average of 22.35, including four five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket hauls.
Despite Rashid’s unavailability, Afghanistan’s squad remains robust under the leadership of captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. The team includes promising talents such as Sediqullah Atal and Ismat Alam, who have shown remarkable performances in domestic cricket. Afghanistan enters the series with confidence, having recently secured victories in both the T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe.
The upcoming Boxing Day Test holds historical significance, as it marks the first time Zimbabwe will host Afghanistan in a Test match at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Zimbabwe’s squad, led by captain Craig Ervine, features experienced players like Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams, alongside newcomers such as Ben Curran and potentially Tadiwanashe Marumani.
Rashid Khan is expected to rejoin the Afghan team for the second Test, commencing on January 2, 2025. His return will be eagerly anticipated, as Afghanistan aims to continue their strong performance in the longer format of the game.
In Rashid’s absence, the onus will be on other bowlers, such as left-arm spinner Zahir Khan and left-arm fast-bowler Bashir Ahmad Afghan, to step up and deliver impactful performances. The team management will be keen to see how the bowling unit adapts without their star spinner in the lineup.
As the series unfolds, cricket enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how both teams perform in this historic encounter, with Afghanistan looking to assert their dominance and Zimbabwe aiming to leverage home advantage to challenge the visitors.