The rise of Afghanistan as a cricketing nation has just been amazing. They were not even qualified for the 2011 World Cup (which had 14 teams) as they were not even among the top 4 Associate nations. But now, they are a test nation having attained that status in 2018.
They have a formidable opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran who can take the opposition bowlers to attack. Riaz Hasan is the backup opener. Gurbaz is the more aggressive batter and takes the game away within a few overs; Ibrahim Zadran is more of an accumulator and attacks when he is set.
The middle order comprises the ever-reliant Rahmat Shah, skipper Hasmatullah Shahidi, and Najibullah Zadran. Shah, Shahidi, and Najib can play the middle overs keep the scoreboard ticking, and set the platform for the next batters to come. Ikram Ali Khil can be used as a backup middle-order player. Shah and Shahidi can play the spinners very well and Najib can be an attacker in the middle overs.
The task of finishing will be shared by Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, and Azmatullah Omarzai. Nabi is a big hitter of the ball and can also rotate the strike. Azmatulah Omarzai and Rashid Khan can provide the late impetus to the innings. Rashid, in particular, has been in great touch in batting and hitting sixes.
The wicket-keeping duties will be carried out by Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Ibrahim Zadran will act as a backup keeper along with being the spare batter in the team.
The fast bowling will be led by the left-armer Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq. The other pacers in the team include Abdul Rahman and Azmatullah Omarzai. Farooqi and Naveen already have the experience of playing in the Indian conditions during last year's IPL. Abdul Rahman will be the backup pacer and Omarzai will lend the balance to the side with his batting ability.
The spin contingent of the Afghanistan team will be on of the strongest spin attacks in the tournament. They have Rashid Khan, who has been one of the most successful bowlers ever in IPL, as their lead spinner. They also have the control offered by the ever-reliant Mohammad Nabi who ties the one end up in the middle overs. They have the exciting Noor Ahmad who will be playing his first World Cup but already has tasted success in the Indian conditions in the last IPL. Last, but not least, Mujeeb ur Rahman offers the ability to bowl with control in the power playovers on in the death overs. Overall, their spin attack is really a challenge for any big team.
Expectations: They will most probably finish the tournament somewhere in the middle of the table.
15-man squad
Batsmen
Hashmatullah Shahidi(captain)
Ibrahim Zadran
Najibullah Zadran
Riaz Hassan
Wicket Keepers
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Ikram Alikhil
All-Rounders
Mohammad Nabi
Rahmat Shah
Rashid Khan
Azmatullah Omarzai
Bowlers
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Naveen-ul-Haq
Abdul Rahman
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Noor Ahmad
Probable Playing XI:
1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz(WK)
2. Ibrahim Zadran
3. Rahmat Shah
4. Hashmatullah Shahidi
5. Najibullah Zadran
6. Mohammad Nabi
7. Azmatullah Omarzai
8. Rashid Khan
9. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
10. Fazalhaq Farooqi
11. Naveen-ul-Haq/Noor Ahmad
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