Afghanistan has announced A tour of Oman which will comprise of 2 one day & 5 T20 matches to be played at Al Amerat cricket ground in Oman between 12th to 23rd October after the completion of Asian Games in China.
Presently the A team is participating in the Asian Games 2023 at Hangzhou where they will be taking on Sri Lanka in the third quarter final draw on Wednesday.
Few players are getting selected without much of a show
There has been some harsh criticism about players who are getting picked without significant performances. Players like Sayed Shirzad don’t have the domestic numbers which justifies his selection. Fareed Ahmad is riding over his never ending golden luck as he is omnipresent on every tour. Zahir Khan who bowled poorly in the Bangladesh test match shouldn’t be under any consideration unless he gets his lengths & lines right.
It’s high time that the selectors put their faith in Nangyalai who deserves a spot in the A squad. His all-round abilities lend extra balance to all three aspects of the game. Naveed Zadran, who’s just had a fantastic first class season, deserves the nod more than any other fast bowler at the moment. Waqar Salamkheil who’s into the buzz due to his prowess in this season of CPL is another must have contender for the tour to Oman.
Qais over Naveed this time?
Qais is a braveheart who gives everything for the team. He has always been into the fray of discussion but fails to make the final cut due to some anonymous reasons. Although there will be some debate about the inclusion of either Qais or Izahar for the tour, I will put my neck out for Qais this time. Besides, there will be some regulars like Shahid Kamal & Baheer to bolster the middle order.
Wafiullah could prove to be the next best thing
Selectors & the management seem to be extremely impressed with Wafiullah who is going to make his international debut for Afghanistan in the Asian Games. It seems there is a long term plan for him to get settled into the mix. Sediq Atal is another huge talent where ACB has been investing all these while. He is yet to get that long push where he can exhibit his true potential as a batter. He does have the technique as well as patience to grind his way out before going bonkers. Zubaid Akbari too deserves a go.
Rahmanullah & Ijaz must make the cut
Rahmanullah Zadran had an excellent first class outing. Now it will be interesting to see if he gets the nod ahead of ACB’s favorite, Noor Ali Zadran at number three. Ijaz Ahmadzai is another formidable lower order finisher which Afghanistan would need in both the formats. Since Karim Janat is not in the list of world cup reserves, his experience could come in handy especially in the T20s.
Will be interesting to see the trio of Naveed, Ibrahim & Saleem
Darwish looked scratchy in the first class event. But his experience could come in handy in the middle order apart from Baheer & Kamal. In the keeping department, teen aged Hizbullah Durrani can be tried along with an experienced pro like Shahzad. Playing a couple of U19s might help them gain the much needed confidence before the upcoming Asia Cup & World Cup. Ishaq Rahimi’s poor run with the bat might just push his candidature back in the race.
Afghanistan needs some fire power in the fast bowling department. Saleem Safi could be that ideal foil who can assist both Naveed & Ibrahim with the new ball. Zia Akbar is a consistent & seasoned performer who deserves his opportunity to partner Waqar & Qais in the spin bowling department.