[CRK]
Defending the Crown in Doha
As the cricketing world turns its attention to the upcoming ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup, all eyes are firmly fixed on the defending champions, Afghanistan A. With the tournament scheduled to take place in Doha from November 14 to 23, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has finalized a squad that balances the hunger of youth with the seasoned experience of players who have already tasted international success.
The Leadership and Core Squad
Darwish Rasooli has been handed the reins once again, tasked with leading the team to back-to-back titles. His vice-captain, the highly talented Sediqullah Atal, brings a wealth of recent experience to the side. Atal, who famously scored a decisive half-century in last year’s final against Sri Lanka A, has become a staple of the senior national squad, having already featured in 22 T20Is, 12 ODIs, and one Test match. His presence provides a significant boost to the team’s top-order aspirations.
The squad is characterized by continuity, with 10 players returning from the championship-winning team of the previous year. This core group includes notable names such as mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar and the experienced leg-spinner Qais Ahmad, both of whom will be crucial to Afghanistan’s success on the Doha pitches.
Fast Bowling and Spin Dynamics
The fast-bowling department is set to be spearheaded by Abdollah Ahmadzai. Following his T20I debut in September and his involvement in the recent series against Zimbabwe, Ahmadzai has shown the ability to lead the line under pressure. He will be supported by a robust pace battery aiming to challenge opposition batters throughout the group stages.
In the spin department, 19-year-old sensation AM Ghazanfar remains a focal point. Despite facing some challenges in form during the recent series against Bangladesh, the youngster is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Afghan cricket. His ability to turn the ball on any surface makes him an unpredictable threat for any opponent in Pool B.
A Path to Glory
Afghanistan A has been drawn into a highly competitive Pool B, which also features Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, and Hong Kong. The road to the knockouts will be demanding, starting with a blockbuster opening clash against Sri Lanka A on November 15. The team will then square off against Bangladesh A on November 17 before concluding their group-stage campaign against Hong Kong on November 19.
The squad also features several players with senior team experience, including Zubaid Akbari, Mohammad Ishaq, and Nangeyalia Kharote, all of whom add depth and tactical flexibility to the roster.
The Full Squad List
The depth of this Afghanistan A squad is reflected in the complete roster selected for the tournament:
- Captain: Darwish Rasooli
- Vice-Captain: Sediqullah Atal
- Wicket-keepers: Noor Rahman, Mohammad Ishaq
- Batters & All-rounders: Zubaid Akbari, Imran Mir, Rahmanullah Zadran, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Nangeyalia Kharote, Farmanullah Safi
- Bowlers: Qais Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Faridoon Dawoodzai
Reserves: Wafiullah Tarakhil, Sediqullah Pacha, Yama Arab.
Final Thoughts
With a blend of international experience and fresh ambition, Afghanistan A looks well-prepared to defend their status as the rising power of Asian cricket. Supporters will be eager to see if Rasooli’s men can replicate their dominance in Doha and continue the upward trajectory of Afghanistan’s cricketing landscape. Stay tuned for further updates as the Rising Stars Asia Cup kicks off this November.
