Afghanistan has bolstered their squad for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh in Sharjah, scheduled for November. Opening batter Sediqullah Atal and left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad are the two new additions to the 19-man squad that recently defeated South Africa in Sharjah in September. Ibrahim Zadran, recovering from ankle surgery, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, sidelined with a right-hand sprain, remain unavailable for the series.
Atal, with six T20I caps, earned his spot after an impressive run at the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, where he scored 52, 95, and 83. Noor Ahmad returns after a stellar showing in the Caribbean Premier League, where he was named Player of the Series, claiming 22 wickets for St Lucia Kings.
Chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil explained that Zadran is still in recovery, while Mujeeb continues his treatment. However, the team is excited to welcome Noor Ahmad back and is confident in Atal's potential following his recent strong performances.
The three-match ODI series, which runs from November 6 to 11, is part of Afghanistan's preparations for the Champions Trophy in February 2025. The team's last ODI assignment saw them make history with their first-ever series victory over a top-five ranked ICC team, South Africa.
Afghanistan Squad for Bangladesh ODIs:
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain)
- Rahmat Shah (vice-captain)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ikram Alikhil (wk)
- Abdul Malik
- Riaz Hassan
- Sediqullah Atal
- Darwish Rasooli
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan
- Nangyal Kharoti
- AM Ghazanfar
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Bilal Sami
- Naveed Zadran
- Farid Ahmad Malik
Series Schedule:
- Nov 6: 1st ODI, Sharjah
- Nov 9: 2nd ODI, Sharjah
- Nov 11: 3rd ODI, Sharjah