six6s login Afghanistan cricket has gained momentum in recent years, with impressive wins and a growing pool of talent. As the team prepares to face Bangladesh in a three-match ODI series in Sharjah, two promising players, Sediqullah Atal, and Noor Ahmad, have been added to the squad. With key players Ibrahim Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman sidelined due to injuries, Atal and Ahmad have a golden opportunity to showcase their abilities and cement their place in the Afghan lineup. Here’s a closer look at what each player brings to the table and how they can make an impact in this series.

Sediqullah Atal

Atal has already proven his prowess in the T20 format, with six T20I caps to his name, and he has been in stellar form in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup T20 tournament. His scores of 52, 95*, and 83 demonstrate his consistency and ability to anchor the innings at the top of the order. Known for his composure and attacking mindset, Atal brings a refreshing approach to Afghanistan’s batting lineup, and his recent performances reflect his potential to handle international-level bowlers effectively.

With Ibrahim Zadran recovering from ankle surgery, Atal has a prime opportunity to step up as a top-order batter. Zadran’s absence opens the door for Atal to solidify a place in Afghanistan’s ODI squad, especially with the Champions Trophy on the horizon. Facing Bangladesh’s bowlers in Sharjah, where spinners often thrive, Atal’s role as an opener will be crucial in giving Afghanistan a strong start. If he can convert his T20 form to the 50-over format and find ways to build partnerships, Atal could be a pivotal player in the series and earn a longer-term role with the team.

Noor Ahmad

At just 19, Noor Ahmad has already captured the cricketing world’s attention with his left-arm wrist spin, a rare and valuable skill in ODIs. After a standout performance in the Caribbean Premier League, where he earned the Player of the Series award for his 22 wickets, Noor returns to the Afghan ODI squad with momentum and confidence. His stellar CPL showing highlighted his ability to turn the ball sharply and vary his pace, traits that make him a threat on the slow, spin-friendly Sharjah pitches.

Noor’s return comes at a time when Afghanistan’s bowling unit is without Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who is nursing a hand injury. Mujeeb’s absence means Noor has a greater responsibility, as he will likely be relied upon to keep Bangladesh’s batters in check, particularly in the middle overs. Afghanistan’s success in limited-overs cricket has often been powered by their spinners, and Noor could fill a crucial role alongside Rashid Khan. If Noor can reproduce his CPL success, he may not only help Afghanistan achieve victory but also establish himself as a go-to option in the spin department.

six6s login Facing Bangladesh in Sharjah presents both Atal and Ahmad with unique challenges. For Atal, the pressure will be on to adjust quickly to the ODI format, which demands a mix of aggression and resilience. Bangladesh’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, are adept at exploiting turning pitches, and Atal will need to find ways to counter their strategy. If he can maintain a healthy strike rate without taking undue risks, Atal could help Afghanistan build a competitive total, especially with experienced batters like Rahmat Shah and Mohammad Nabi to support him.