Ibrahim Zadran Ruled Out, Rashid Khan Returns To Afghanistan Squad For ODI Series Against South Africa

Afghanistan's ace leg-spinner Rashid Khan is set to return to the ODI format for the first time since the conclusion of last year's ODI World Cup in India. Rashid has been named in Afghanistan's 17-member squad for their upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, beginning on September 18 in the UAE. Rashid was a notable absentee in Afghanistan's squad for the one-off Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida. After last year's World Cup, Rashid had undergone back surgery. He was out of action and missed Afghanistan's series against UAE, India and Sri Lanka, and ODIs against Ireland.

Afghanistan will also miss the presence of mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who is still recovering from a sprain in the index finger of his right hand.

Along with Mujeeb, top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran has been ruled out of the series due to an ankle sprain in his left leg. Afghanistan have called on talented top-order batter Abdul Malik to fill Zardan's shoes.

Darwish Rasooli is also in contention to make his ODI debut for Afghanistan after being named in the squad. The 24-year-old batter has seven T20I caps to his name so far. He has put on consistent performances in the recently held List A Cup and the SCL9.

"Mujeeb Ur Rahman continues to recover from his injury and is unavailable for selection. Ibrahim Zadran will also miss the South Africa ODIs for twisting his ankle on the edge of the New Zealand Test. However, we have included some of the top-performing youngsters, Abdul Malik and Darwish Rasooli. Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar is also a talented cricketer and has demonstrated excellent skills recently and will cover for Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the series," Chief Selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil said, as quoted from a statement by