Afghanistan rest ace spinner Rashid for Zimbabwe Test | The Express Tribune
Key Takeaways
- Rashid Khan has been rested for the one-off Test match against Zimbabwe.
- The primary reason for resting Khan is to manage his fitness ahead of the next year's T20 World Cup.
- Rashid Khan will, however, captain the Afghanistan side for the subsequent three-match T20I series.
- Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the Test squad, which includes new domestic performers.
- The Test match is scheduled for October 20-24, followed by T20Is in late October and early November, all in Harare.
Afghanistan selectors have opted to rest key spinner Rashid Khan for the upcoming one-off Test match against Zimbabwe later this month, prioritizing his long-term fitness. The 27-year-old, who underwent back surgery in 2023, is being managed carefully to ensure he is fully prepared for the next year's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, according to the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Despite missing the Test, which runs from October 20-24, Rashid Khan will return to lead the side for the three-match Twenty20 international series scheduled for October 29, 31, and November 2, all taking place in Harare. Hashmatullah Shahidi has been named captain for the Test team, which includes fresh faces who have excelled at the domestic level, such as left-arm fast bowler Bashir Ahmad. Since achieving Test status in 2017, Afghanistan has played 11 Tests, securing four victories.
