Afghanistan’s cricket scene is buzzing with excitement as their star all-rounder, Rashid Khan, is set to make a long-awaited return to Test cricket this December. Rashid’s comeback is highly anticipated, as he has been absent from the longer format of the game since March 2021, when he last featured in a Test match against Zimbabwe. Interestingly enough, his return will be against the same team, as Afghanistan is scheduled to tour Zimbabwe later this year.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed this exciting development, with Chief Executive Naseeb Khan providing reassuring news about Rashid’s health and readiness. “We are confident that Rashid will play for us in the Test series against Zimbabwe,” Naseeb Khan stated in an interview with Cricbuzz. “He had a long recovery due to his back surgery, and we wanted him to fully recover before taking on the rigors of Test cricket. Now, he looks fine and ready to feature for us in the longer format.”
Rashid Khan’s return is indeed a major boost for Afghanistan’s bowling lineup, providing a competitive edge they greatly missed. Initially, Rashid was expected to stay away from Test cricket until November, and there had been lingering doubts regarding his availability for the Zimbabwe tour. However, with this confirmation, they can look forward to his reinvigorated presence on the field.
Zimbabwe is set to host Afghanistan for a series of matches that include three One Day Internationals (ODIs), three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and two Test matches.
. The much-anticipated tour will start with the T20I series on December 9, with all T20 matches scheduled to be held at the Harare Sports Club in the capital city, Harare. The action-packed series continues with the ODI series set from December 15 to 19, also in Harare.
Notably, this tour is particularly special for Zimbabwe as it will see the country host its first-ever Boxing Day Test. This traditional cricket fixture, a staple for many countries in the southern hemisphere, marks a landmark event for Zimbabwean cricket. In another first for Zimbabwe, a New Year Test match will also take place, with both Test matches scheduled in Bulawayo. This adds a historic dimension to the tour, with cricket fans eagerly anticipating these significant fixtures.
The full schedule for Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe is as follows:
– T20I series:
– December 9: 1st T20I, Harare
– December 11: 2nd T20I, Harare
– December 12: 3rd T20I, Harare
– ODI series:
– December 15: 1st ODI, Harare
– December 17: 2nd ODI, Harare
– December 19: 3rd ODI, Harare
– Test series:
– December 26 to 30: 1st Test, Bulawayo
– January 2 to 6: 2nd Test, Bulawayo
Rashid Khan’s return to the squad has electrified fans and boosted the team’s confidence ahead of what promises to be an enthralling tour. His skills, both as a bowler and a batsman, add a dynamic edge to Afghanistan’s squad, enhancing their prospects against the host nation. As the countdown to December begins, fans around the world are eager to witness Rashid Khan in action once more, forging memorable moments on the Test cricket stage.
In conclusion, Rashid Khan’s imminent return not only signifies a compelling comeback after a period of recovery but also symbolizes important milestones in the cricketing landscapes of both Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. This tour is set to provide thrilling experiences and memorable encounters, marking a significant chapter in the sport’s history for both nations.
