(Cricket news) Naveen-ul-Haq has made a significant return to the Afghanistan one-day international (ODI) squad for the upcoming World Cup in India, marking his comeback to the 50-over format after an absence of more than two years. Although the right-arm fast bowler has been a consistent presence in Twenty20 Internationals, his last ODI appearance dates back to January 2021 when Afghanistan faced Ireland in Abu Dhabi.
Naveen joins a formidable pace attack for Afghanistan’s World Cup campaign, which is set to commence next month. Alongside Naveen-ul-Haq, the squad features the likes of Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, and the versatile all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, who has successfully recovered from a side strain that forced him to miss the ongoing Asia Cup.
Rashid Khan will lead Afghanistan’s spin attack, which also boasts the experience of Mohammad Nabi, the youthful talent of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and the promising Noor Ahmad.
As part of their preparations for the tournament, Afghanistan has named Gulbadin Naib, who previously captained the team during their 2019 World Cup campaign in England and Wales, among the reserve players.
Afghanistan’s World Cup journey will kick off on October 7th when they face Bangladesh in Dharamsala, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and closely-watched cricketing spectacle.
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