Young Nangyal Kharoti, who made his international debut for Afghanistan against Ireland in March this year, has also got a place in the team. The 20-year-old impressed in that series, taking five wickets at an economy of just 5.90 in three matches.
Another young Afghan player to confirm a place is wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Ishaq, who was part of Afghanistan’s squad at the 2020 and 2022 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Rashid will lead the spin department with support from Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Noor Ahmed, Nangyal Kharoti and the experienced Mohammad Nabi.
Naveen-ul-Haq, Farid Ahmed and Fazalhaq Farooq have retained their places and form Afghanistan’s fast bowling line-up.
Afghanistan squad: Rehmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Umarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (captain), Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Noor Ahmed, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq. Farooqui, Farid Ahmed Malik.
Reservation: Sediq Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Salim Safi.
