Afghanistan name their 15-man squad for 2019 Cricket World Cup
Afghanistan have announced their 15-member squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup that will be played in England from 30th May. Veteran pace bowler Hamid Hassan makes a comeback into the limited-overs squad. Hassan’s last limited-overs appearance for Afghanistan came in July 2006.
The 31-year old has played 32 one-day games for Afghanistan and was also part of Afghanistan squad that played in 2015 Cricket World Cup. Afghanistan Chief Selector Dawlat Ahmadzai said that inclusion of Hassan will bolster the bowling resources for the side for the summer’s mega event.
Veteran pace bowler Hamid Hassan make a comeback into the limited over squad for 2019 Cricket World Cup
Earlier this month, Gulbadin Naib was named limited-overs captain as Asghar Afghan was replaced from the job with immediate effect. There was resentment among senior players over the sacking of Afghan from the captaincy.
The spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman will be premier bowlers for the side in this year’s competition. The team is dubbed as “dark horses” due to their ability to win matches against top sides. Leg-spinner Rashid Khan is the top-ranked bowler in the ICC T20 Rankings for bowlers. He has done exceedingly well with the ball in the limited-overs cricket for Afghanistan.
Chief Selector Dawlat Ahmadzai said that the side has made adequate preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup. The side also performed exceedingly well in the Asia Cup competition played in the UAE last year.
Wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Mohammad Nabi are premier players for Afghanistan in the batting lineup.
Afghanistan will play their opening game against Australia at County Ground in Bristol on 1st June.
Afghanistan’s World Cup Squad: Gulbadin Naib (captain), Mohammad Shahzad (wicketkeeper), Noor Ali Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Mohammad Nabi, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
