Afghanistan names 15-man roster for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2022

Afghanistan have named three pacers to their 15-man roster for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia, including untested pacer Salim Safi.

Qais Ahmad, a leg-spinner, and Darwish Rasooli, a middle-order batsman, have both been named to the team’s 17-man Asia Cup squad. Missing are Samiullah Shinwari, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afsar Zazai, Karim Janat, and Noor Ahmad.

Qais, a regular in T20 tournaments throughout the world, topped the bowling rankings in the just ended Shpageeza Cricket League, taking 14 wickets in eight games. With 11 wickets from nine games, Salim ended sixth on that ranking. Rasooli, who has since recovered from a finger injury, had only played two games in the league but was outstanding in both innings, scoring an undefeated 41 off 19 balls in one and a 30-ball 51 in the other.

“Fortunately, Darwish Rasooli has healed from injury and we are pleased to have him available for the WT20; he has shown good flashes of himself in the previously held Shpageeza Cricket League 2022 and offers an additional batting alternative to our middle order,” said chief selector Noor Malikzai. “Because the Australian conditions provide additional help for fast bowlers, we have signed Salim Safi, the tall right-arm quick, to give our bowling unit a boost,” he added.

Afghanistan is in Group 1 of the Super 12s stage, alongside hosts Australia, England, New Zealand, and two yet-to-be-determined qualifiers. On October 22, they will begin their campaign against England in Perth.

The semi-finals will take held on November 13 at the legendary MCG, with the top two teams from each of the two groups competing.