Sports

Afghanistan to begin ODI series against South Africa Wednesday

Afghanistan is set to play the first match of its three-match One Day International (ODI) series against South Africa tomorrow (Wednesday).

The historic series, the first bilateral matchup between the two nations, will begin at 4:00 PM local time at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.

The second match is scheduled for September 20, followed by the final game on September 22.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced a 17-player squad for the series, featuring Rashid Khan, the world-renowned leg spinner. However, the team will be without key players Ibrahim Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, both sidelined due to injuries. Hashmatullah Shahidi will captain the Afghan side.

Afghanistan has faced South Africa twice in ODI competition, losing both matches. The team has yet to secure a victory against South Africa or India, both full members of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The series offers Afghanistan a chance to notch a win against one of cricket’s powerhouses.