New Delhi: Afghanistan have named spinners Amir Hamza and Zahir Khan along with uncapped fast bowler Wafadar in the 16-member squad for their first ever Test match against India next month in Bangalore, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced Tuesday.
While Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan were obvious choices after their successful stint in the recently concluded Indian Premier League, left-arm wrist spinner Zahir is returning from a finger injury.
The 19-year-old was a part of the Afghanistan squad that reached the semi-final of the Under-19 World Cup in January-February this year. Left-arm off spinner Hamza, meanwhile comes in as the leading wicket-taker in the domestic first-class competition.
Meanwhile, ACB have also announced the T20 side which play three games against Bangladesh Starting June 3 in Dehradun. Under-19 batsman Darwish Rasooli earned his maiden national call-up on the back of strong performances at the World Cup, while Najib Tarakai was recalled after 15 months following strong domestic performances.
Asghar Stanikzai, the second-most capped player in the Afghan side will lead the both the squads. Afghanistan are currently practicing in Greater Noida and will miss the services of fast bowler Dawlat Zadran because of a knee injury he suffered a couple of days ago.
The squads:
Test: Asghar Stanikzai (C), Javed Ahmadi, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Nasir Jamal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afsar Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Amir Hamza, Sayed Shirzad, Yamin Ahmadzai, Wafadar and Zahir Khan.
T20I: Asghar Stanikzai (C), Najeeb Tarakai, Usman Ghani, Mohammad Shahzad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shenwari, Shafiqullah, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Shapoor Zadran and Aftab Alam.
