Afghanistan Banks on Spin for T20 Tri-Series and Asia Cup

Afghanistan has announced a squad brimming with spin talent as they prepare for a busy stretch of cricket in the United Arab Emirates. The team will be led by Rashid Khan, their talismanic captain and one of the world’s most feared bowlers in the shortest format. Joining him are Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, and the rising teenage spinner AM Ghazanfar, creating a formidable spin department that promises to test even the most seasoned batters.

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The squad was unveiled ahead of the T20 tri-series involving Pakistan and the hosts UAE, which begins in Sharjah on Friday. Afghanistan will face Pakistan in the opening match, marking their return to Twenty20 Internationals after a long gap since the start of 2025. The tri-series serves as both a competitive challenge and crucial preparation for the Asia Cup, which kicks off on September 9 in Abu Dhabi.

For many Afghan fans, the spotlight is on 19-year-old Ghazanfar, who has yet to play a T20I but has made his presence felt in domestic cricket and One-Day Internationals. His selection highlights Afghanistan’s growing pool of young talent, particularly in spin, a department where the country has consistently produced world-class performers. With Rashid, Mujeeb, Noor, Nabi, and Ghazanfar all in one squad, the team is expected to rely heavily on their ability to choke opposition batting lineups in the middle overs.

Despite the spin focus, Afghanistan has not ignored its pace options. Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Azmatullah Omarzai, and the experienced Gulbadin Naib provide depth in fast bowling. Their role will be to complement the spinners, especially on UAE pitches that are likely to favor turn but may also reward smart variations with the new ball. This balance could prove decisive as the team looks to go deep in both tournaments.

Afghanistan’s most recent T20I campaign ended in heartbreak when they lost in the semi-finals of the 2024 World Cup in the United States and West Indies. Since then, they have not played a single T20I, making the tri-series their first outing in the format this year. The gap raises questions about rhythm and preparation, but Rashid Khan has repeatedly emphasized the resilience of his squad and their ability to adapt quickly to high-pressure environments.

In the Asia Cup, Afghanistan has been drawn into Group B alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. Their campaign begins against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi on September 9. Group A features defending champions India along with Oman, Pakistan, and UAE, setting the stage for an intense competition. With their proven track record as giant-killers in major tournaments, Afghanistan will be looking to use the Asia Cup as a platform to showcase their progress ahead of the T20 World Cup early next year.

The Afghan cricket board also confirmed a bilateral series against Bangladesh following the Asia Cup, also staged in the UAE. The teams will play three ODIs in Abu Dhabi from October 8 to 14, preceded by three T20Is on October 2, 3, and 5 in Sharjah. This extended run of matches gives Afghanistan the chance to fine-tune their combinations while offering younger players exposure to consistent international cricket.

The announced squad blends youth and experience, with the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Darwish Rasooli expected to anchor the batting order. Veterans such as Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib add stability, while youngsters like Sediqullah Atal and Mohammad Ishaq bring freshness and aggression to the side. Together, they represent a team determined to build on past success and push further on the global stage.

For Afghanistan, these tournaments are about more than just results. They symbolize the country’s continued rise in international cricket, powered by a generation of fearless cricketers who thrive under pressure. With Rashid Khan leading from the front and a spin attack that could trouble any team in the world, Afghanistan heads into the tri-series and Asia Cup with quiet confidence and the belief that their moment on the big stage is drawing closer.