The Afghanistan cricket team has made notable changes to its squad for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, scheduled to begin on December 11, 2024. This tour marks the return of experienced players Darwish Rasooli and Mujeeb Ur Rahman and the debut of a promising young talent, Zubaid Akbari.
Comebacks of Rasooli and Mujeeb
Darwish Rasooli, known for his aggressive batting style, reclaims his spot in the T20I squad after a period of impressive domestic performances. A vital player in Afghanistan’s Emerging Asia Cup campaign, Rasooli is expected to bolster the middle order with his ability to play under pressure.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Afghanistan’s mystery spinner, also returns to the T20I setup after recovering from a phalanx injury. His inclusion adds depth to Afghanistan’s bowling attack, providing an edge in powerplay and middle-overs phases. Mujeeb’s skills will be crucial, particularly on Zimbabwe’s typically slower pitches.
A New Face in Zubaid Akbari
Zubaid Akbari’s maiden call-up is a testament to his recent domestic and Emerging Asia Cup achievements. The young left-handed batter has shown great promise with consistent performances at the top of the order. The selectors are optimistic that his inclusion will add fresh energy to the team and build a strong foundation for future T20 campaigns.
Squad and Series Overview
The Afghanistan squad, led by Rashid Khan, also features experienced names like Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib, alongside rising stars Noor Ahmad and Azmatullah Omarzai. This balance of seasoned players and newcomers reflects Afghanistan’s strategy of strengthening its T20I unit while grooming talent for long-term success.
The series in Zimbabwe begins with three T20Is, followed by ODIs and Tests. This tour offers Afghanistan a platform to experiment with new combinations and prepare for tougher assignments in the future. Fans eagerly await how the returning and debutant players will perform in this pivotal series.