Cricket News

‘3 matches ke liye Itna bara squad’- Fans react as Afghanistan name 19-man squad for India T20Is

Fans are now waiting for India's squad to be named.

Jan 6, 2024 7:03 pm

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has unveiled a 19-man squad for the much-awaited three-match T20I series against India, set to commence on January 11th. This high-profile encounter has piqued interest globally, with both teams harbouring ambitions for the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled for June. Afghanistan’s decision to name such a large squad for just three games has raised eyebrows. The reasons behind the move remain unclear, but it could be a sign that they are keen to give their fringe players a chance to impress.

The young batter, Ibrahim Zadran. Zadran, who has made a name for himself in the last year or so, will lead the side. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai are the other openers in the squad. In the middle order, the experienced duo of Najibullah Zadran, Ikram Alikhil and Rahmat Shah offer stability and power.

The bowling department looks potent with a mix of experience and youthful exuberance. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Qais Ahmed are the three spinners in the squad while the pace line-up is comprised of Fazalhaq Farooq, Naveen-Ul-Haq, Fareed Malik and Mohammad Saleem. The team also comprises Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat and Gulabadin Naib, three extremely potent all-rounders.

However, the challenge Afghanistan faces is immense. India, boasting a star-studded lineup and home advantage, will be hungry to prove their T20 World Cup credentials after an impressive showing in the recently concluded ODI World Cup. This series presents a golden opportunity for Afghanistan to test their skills against the best in the world and gain valuable experience in the crucial lead-up to the World Cup. The three-match T20I series promises to be a fierce battle for supremacy, offering a glimpse into the potential contenders for the coveted T20 World Cup crown later this year.

Indian squad to be named soon

With Afghanistan having announced their squad for the series, cricket fans eagerly await the unveiling of India’s team. The much-anticipated three-match series kicks off on January 11th, with matches scheduled for Mohali, Indore, and Bangalore on the 11th, 14th, and 17th, respectively.