Afghanistan will be a team to watch out for the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup 2023, as they have got more experience playing in Subcontinental conditions over the years. The team will be high confidence in defeating Pakistan in the recent T20 series in Sharjah.

The six-nation Asia Cup, which will be played in a 50-over format will be played from August 31st to September 17th. Afghanistan will be up against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka for the group stage of the tournament, as they need up their game against the high-quality opponents to make it into the group 4 stage of the marquee event.

Afghanistan players Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have experience playing in franchise leagues and they will look to bring their top game against formidable opponents in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Here’s the strongest Afghanistan playing 11 for the Asia Cup 2023.

1. Openers- Rahmanullah Gurbaz And Ibrahim Zadran

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who is gaining experience in T20 leagues around the world, could be their team’s frontline opener going into the Asia Cup 2023. The Youngster is one of the underrated players in World Cricket, who plays a fearless brand of cricket for his team opening the innings alongside Ibrahim Zadran.

Ibrahim Zadran has cemented his spot as an opener with his consistent show across the format, he became the second fastest batter to 500 ODI runs, having reached the feat in his ninth innings in the recently concluded Sri Lanka series.

2. Middle Order Batters -Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Najibullah Zadran, Rahmat Shah

Left-handed batter Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the 15-man squad. The left-hander put on a fine display of ODI cricket batting and showed great temperament in International Cricket. He will look to continue his fine form going into the marquee event.

Najibullah Zadran is a left-handed batsman who bowls right-arm off-spin is one of the experienced players in the Afghanistan team making his debut for the team in 2012 and Rahmat Shah will be another crucial member of the team has played around Asia, as his experiences would be handy for the team in Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.

4. All-Rounders – Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, And Azmatullah Omarzai

Mohammad Nabi made a comeback into the team and has performed exceedingly for his team in International Cricket, considering the experience that he will look to contribute to the team’s success in Asia Cup. The veteran can contribute to the team’s success with both bat and ball, as his experience will come in handy in the marquee events.

The Afghanistan all-rounder Rashid Khan has been one of the best players in the world and has once again proved his worth in International Cricket, with the ability to contribute to the team’s success with both bat and ball. Azmatullah Omarzai will be the third all-rounder in the squad with his recent contribution to the team.

5. Spinner – Noor Ahmad

Noor Ahmed can be a pillar of strength for the Afghanistan team in the recent time as he bowls in tandem alongside Rashid Khan to provide a vital breakthrough for them in the recent series. The Afghanistan side has got numerous spin bowling options with the likes of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zahir Khan, and  Qais Ahmed on their side they will crucial for team success in continental events.

6. Fast Bowlers – Fazalhaq Farooq And Fareed Ahmad Malik

Fazalhaq Farooqi has been a regular member of the playing XI for Afghanistan, and the pacer hasn’t looked back since, making match-winning contributions for his team in international Cricket. The left-arm pacer has also gained some experience playing around the globe in T20 leagues.

Fareed Ahmad can be the other pacer in the team, as he has shown the ability to perform for the team at the highest level, with variations in death overs that can come in handy for the team in crunch moments of the game.