First Twenty20 International Between AFG and IRE: Rashid Khan Plays Again After ODI World Cup 2023

Rashid Khan, an Afghanistan spinner, has made his comeback to the international scene. The youthful player was selected for the Twenty20 International team that will play Ireland in Sharjah on Friday.

Following the conclusion of the historic ODI World Cup campaign in India in November of last year, Rashid had surgery on his lower back. Due to the injury, he was unable to participate in major events such as the Big Bash League, the SA20, Afghanistan’s bilateral series against the UAE, India, and Sri Lanka, and most recently, the Test and ODI matches against Ireland.

Rashid was not ready to play, despite the fact that he had been to India in January with the squad.

Ibrahim Zadran, a teammate, has previously stated: “He is not fully fit, but he is traveling with the team.” We’re hoping he gets well as quickly as we anticipate. We shall miss him in the series as he works with the doctor on his rehabilitation.”

Afghanistan would benefit greatly from Rashid’s return, since he concluded the ODI World Cup 2023 as the team’s top wicket-taker with 11 wickets. Rashid has ample time to obtain much-needed playing experience following the injury hiatus with his sights set on the T20 World Cup in June of 2024.

He will also participate in the IPL season, which begins on March 24 for the Gujarat Titans.

Afghanistan was doubly delighted to have spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman rejoin the team after his recovery from a sprain to his right phalanx.

The 15-man roster includes Mohammad Ishaq, who made his T20I debut against Sri Lanka in February, and untested all-rounder Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai. The current tour’s third ODI saw the debut of left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote, who also seems to be making her T20I debut. The team also includes opener Sediqullah Atal, who last represented Afghanistan at the October Asian Games.

During the current trip, Afghanistan won the three-match ODI series 2-0 without Rashid, while Ireland won the one-off Test.

The Afghanistan team for the Ireland Twenty20 International Series consists of the following players: Mohammad Nabi, Nangeyalia Kharote, Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Wafadar Momand, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Fazalhaq Farooqi. The captain of the team is Rashid Khan.

The first game of the series will start at Sharjah Cricket Stadium at 9:30 PM IST.