Rashid’s comeback bolsters Afghanistan ahead of Bangladesh ODIs

Rashid Khan’s return to the Afghanistan squad has had a significant impact on the team’s morale ahead of the ODI series against Bangladesh. His absence during the recent one-off Test, which Afghanistan lost by a massive 546 runs, was sorely felt, highlighting his importance to the team.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board made the decision to rest Rashid for the Test to allow him to recover from his back pain. However, his absence was glaring, and the team struggled in his absence. Following the Test series, the squad returned to the UAE and had a two-week preparation camp before heading to Bangladesh. During the training sessions at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (ZACS), Rashid’s presence was a source of inspiration for the team.

Despite not being allowed to see the pitch due to certain restrictions, Rashid remained in high spirits and actively participated in the training sessions. He took charge and made most of the calls in the nets, showcasing his leadership qualities and dedication to the team’s success. ZACS chief curator Zahid Reza Babu mentioned that Rashid sportingly accepted the decision not to open the pitch covers and continued to focus on his preparations.

The skipper of the ODI team, Hashmatullah Shahidi, expressed his delight at having Rashid back in the squad, emphasizing the positive impact the star player has on the team’s confidence. Rashid’s presence boosts the morale of the entire squad, and his return for the ODI series is seen as a positive sign. Shahidi believes that Rashid will contribute significantly to the team’s performance, drawing on his experience and skill.

Reflecting on the lessons learned from the Test series, Shahidi highlighted the importance of the ODI matches and the team’s preparedness for the challenges ahead. The Test series provided valuable lessons, and the team has made necessary adjustments and improvements in their preparation. The players have undergone a 14-day camp in Abu Dhabi to fine-tune their skills and address the areas that were lacking in the Test matches.

While acknowledging the strength of the Bangladesh team, especially in their home conditions, Shahidi expressed confidence in his own side’s recent progress in ODI cricket. Afghanistan has performed well in the past couple of years, qualifying for the World Cup from the Super League. This series against Bangladesh serves as an important opportunity for both teams to gauge each other’s strengths and weaknesses ahead of future competitions such as the Asia Cup and World Cup.

Shahidi emphasized the significance of the series in terms of preparation and understanding the opposition. Playing against Bangladesh, a team they are familiar with, allows Afghanistan to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents’ bowlers and batsmen. It provides a platform for the team to refine their strategies and gain valuable experience, ultimately contributing to their growth as a competitive cricketing nation.

Both teams are expected to showcase their skills and compete fiercely during the series. With Rashid Khan’s return, Afghanistan will be looking to make a strong statement and demonstrate their progress in ODI cricket. The series serves as an important milestone in their cricketing journey, as they continue to strive for success on the international stage.