Asia Cup 2018: Afghanistan Announce 17-Man Squad; Dawlat Zadran Misses Out

Afghanistan has named a 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2018 which is slated to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, premium fast bowler Dawlat Zadran has been overlooked for the coveted event.

The tournament is slated to kick off from 15^th September and Afghanistan has named a more or less similar squad which won the Twenty20 International series against Bangladesh and Ireland.

Afghanistan will open their campaign in the Asia Cup against Sri Lanka on 17^th September. They will be playing their next match against Bangladesh on 20^th September.

The team will be led by Asghar Afghan, who is also known as Asghar Stanikzai. The team has some familiar names. The wicket-keeper’s role will be carried out by Mohammad Shehzad.

Moreover, the swashbuckling opening batsman has been one of the most important players for Afghanistan over the years. Time and again he has got Afghanistan off to quick starts.

Afghanistan has some impressive names in their squad: 

The familiar names are Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan. The two top-class spinners including Mujeeb Ur Rahman will play a vital role if Afghanistan hopes to progress in the next stage of the tournament.

Rashid has been the No.1 spinner in the shortest format of the game. However, he has not been far away when it comes to 50-over format. He has an excellent record to boast of and will look to wave his magic once again.

The pitches in UAE will help the spinners. Hence Rashid and Nabi will come into the action and will look to play a significant role if the Afghans hope to perform well in the upcoming competition. Mujeeb is also a world-class bowler and can unsettle any batting attack with his variations.

The Afghans have some impressive fast bowlers. However, none of them is experienced enough. Hence they will be a tad worried on this front. Yet, they have three quality spinners who can bowl the majority of the overs.

Asia Cup 2018: Here is the full squad of Afghanistan as Dawlat Zadran misses out: 

Asghar Afghan(c), Mohammad Shahzad, Ihsanullah Janat, Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Najibullah Zadran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Aftab Alam, Samiullah Shenwari, Munir Ahmad, Sayed Shirzad, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Wafadar Momand