Afghanistan name 18-member squad for 3-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, Noor Ahmad called up

Afghanistan have named a power-packed 18-member squad for their upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka to be played from November 25 in Pallekele.

AFG name 18-member squad for 3-match ODI series vs SL, Noor Ahmad called up. Courtesy: Twitter

By India Today Web Desk: Afghanistan, on Saturday, November 19, called up left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad as they announced an 18-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Ahmad was a part of the Afghan squad for the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but failed to make the cut for the T20 World Cup 2022 on Australian soil.

The 17-year-old made his debut for the Afghans against Zimbabwe back in June and picked up a four-wicket haul and Player of the Match in his very first appearance.

Former skipper Gulbadin Naib, who replaced Hazratullah Zazai in the World Cup, also found his way back into the ODI squad.

“The selectors have included some young faces for the series, which is a good sign for us leading into the ICC Cricket World Cup next year,” Naseeb Khan, the Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO, was quoted as saying.

“The series is vital for us in terms of our qualification for the mega event next year and I am sure the squad carries enough strength to do well when they get to the field,” he added.

The three ODIs will be played on November 25, 27 and 30 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The Afghans are currently placed seventh in the points table of the World Cup Super League.

Afghanistan ODI squad

Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah (vice-capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, Ibrahim Zadran, Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Najibullah Zadran, Noor Ahmad, Rashid Khan, Riaz Hassan, Shahidullah Kamal, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia-ur-Rehman