Rashid Khan has been included in Afghanistan’s Asia Cup squad

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Afghanistan have included spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman for the upcoming Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

Rashid and Mujeeb have been in superb form as of late, but Afghanistan have decided to further bolster their spin attack by picking left-armer Sharafuddin Ashraf. The national team can also call on Mohammad Nabi should they need an extra spin option.

Both Rashid and Mujeeb played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year, and also featured in England’s Vitality Blast.

In the IPL, Rashid played for the Sunrisers Hyderabad and was the joint second-highest wicket-taker with 21 victims at an average of 21.80.

He then proceeded to take 17 wickets in 11 games for Sussex in the Vitality Blast at an average of 14.35.

As for Mujeeb, he claimed 14 wickets in 11 games for the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL at an average of 20.64.

He followed it up with nine wickets in 12 games for Hampshire in the Vitality Blast at an average of 35.33.

Meanwhile, Munir Ahmad received his maiden call-up to the national team and will be the back-up wicketkeeper behind Mohammad Shahzad.

Afghanistan will be captained by Asghar Afghan during the tournament.

Afghanistan’s Asia Cup Squad: Mohammad Shahzad, Javed Ahmadi, Asghar Afghan(c), Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shenwari, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Aftab Alam, Ihsanullah Janat, Sayed Shirzad, Wafadar, Munir Ahmad