Mujeeb Zadran, a 16-year-old spinner, is included in the Naveen-ul-Haq-led squad of Under-19 Asia Cup champions Afghanistan in the forthcoming Under-19 World Cup, Afghanistan Cricket Board announced on Thursday (December 7).
Afghanistan’s latest spin sensation Mujeeb Zadran, who became the first men’s player born in the 21st century to play international cricket, has also been included in the squad. The 16-year old marked his arrival in international cricket with a bang, taking 4 for 24 on ODI debut against Ireland on Tuesday (December 5). The spinner also became the second youngest to win the Man of the Match award in ODIs, after former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi.
Afghanistan head coach Raees Ahmadzai had gone on to lavish praise on the youngster, saying:
“I saw him for the first time in Khost province two-and-a-half years ago. And I discussed it with Nawroz Mangal [current head of the selection committee], who was then the captain of the provincial side. At the time, I told Nawroz that guy looks like he must be in in the future if he works more on it. He did very well for the junior side and now in his debut match, four wickets is good for him.”
Other notable additions to the squad are Baheer Shah and Zahir Khan. 18-year old Baheer Shah shot to limelight after scoring 256 not out on his first-class debut. He also went on to complete 1000 runs in just 11 innings, thus becoming the second quickest to do so.
On the other hand, left-arm spinner Zahir Khan is currently the second-highest wicket-taker in the Intercontinental Cup with 31 in six matches.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, will open their World Cup campaign against Pakistan on January 13 in Whangarei, New Zealand.
Afghanistan Squad for the World Cup:
Naveen-ul-Haq (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Ibrahim, Baheer Mahboob, Ikram Ali Khil, Darwish Rasooli, Nisar Wahdat, Tariq Stanikzai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Waqarullah, Qais Ahmad, Mujeeb Zadran, Zahir Khan, Yousuf Zazai, Wafadar.
Reserves: Abdul Wasi, Mohammad Sabir and Fazal Haq