Published on 04:00 PM, June 12, 2023

Still have enough bowlers to win the game in the absence of Rashid: Shahidi

Afghanistan's Test captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Despite the absence of star spinner Rashid Khan for the upcoming one-off Test against Bangladesh, Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi informed that his side still have enough bowlers in the side who could win the game for his side.

Rashid was ruled out from the lone Test against the Tigers after the leg spinner suffered a back injury during the last ODI series against Sri Lanka.

"Obviously it will be challenging as everyone knows he ( Rashid Khan) is our main bowler. He has done well in tests for us in the past but we still have enough bowling options in our side and hopefully they will play well," Shahidi told the media during the press conference in Mirpur on Monday.

Rashid remained instrumental during their 224 runs win over Bangladesh in Chattogram back in 2019 where the 24 year old bagged eleven wickets including a five wicket haul in.

The likes of left arm spinner Amir Hamza, left handed wrist spinner Zahir Khan and the 19 year old uncapped leg spinner Izharulhaq Naveed are expected to feature for the visitors in the upcoming Test against the Tigers. 

However the hosts are preparing for a green surface to undone the visitors in Mirpur where Shahidi informed that his side is up for the challenge.

"We have seen the wicket today and there were grass in it. We also have good pacers along with the spinners. We will play according to our strengths and prepared for everything," he said.

The 28 year old also taking inspiration from their Test win over the Tigers four years back and are confident to give their best in the upcoming Test starting from June 14 in Mirpur.