In a strategic move ahead of the ODI series against Bangladesh, Afghanistan has announced the inclusion of opening batter Sediqullah Atal and left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad in their squad. The series, set to take place in Sharjah from November 6 to 11, is part of Afghanistan’s preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy in February 2025.
Both Atal and Ahmad replace injured players Ibrahim Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Zadran is currently rehabilitating following ankle surgery, while Mujeeb is recovering from a hand sprain.
Sediqullah Atal, who has previously earned six T20I caps, has been in exceptional form recently, impressing selectors with his performances in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup T20 tournament. His notable scores of 52, 95*, and 83 have positioned him as a promising addition to the squad. Meanwhile, Noor Ahmad makes a comeback after an outstanding performance in the Caribbean Premier League, where he was named Player of the Series, taking 22 wickets for the St Lucia Kings.
Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil, chief selector of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, expressed confidence in the new additions. “Ibrahim Zadran is undergoing rehabilitation and is recovering well from his recent surgery. Mujeeb Ur Rahman remains unavailable due to ongoing treatment,” he stated. “However, we are excited to welcome back Noor Ahmad and to include Sediqullah Atal, whose consistent top performances have impressed us all.”
This ODI series marks an important step for Afghanistan following their historic victory against South Africa, where they achieved their first series win against a top-five-ranked team. The upcoming ODI matches against Bangladesh will further help the team build momentum and cohesion as they aim for success in the Champions Trophy.
Afghanistan Squad for Bangladesh ODI Series
– Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain)
– Rahmat Shah (vice-captain)
– Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper)
– Ikram Alikhil (wicketkeeper)
– 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
Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Series Schedule
– 1st ODI: November 6, Sharjah
– 2nd ODI: November 9, Sharjah
– 3rd ODI: November 11, Sharjah
