Will Darwish Rasooli Successfully Lead Afghanistan A in Defending Their Title at the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup?
Synopsis
As the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup approaches, Afghanistan A, led by Darwish Rasooli, aims to defend their championship title. With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, the team is set to make an impact in Doha. Join us as we explore their journey towards retaining glory from November 14 to 23!
Key Takeaways
Afghanistan A aims to defend their title at the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup .
Led by Darwish Rasooli , the squad features a mix of experience and youth.
Sediqullah Atal is a key player, having performed well in last year’s final.
The tournament runs from November 14 to 23, 2023.
Afghanistan A’s first match is against Sri Lanka A on November 15.
Kabul, Nov 5 (NationPress) Afghanistan A is set to kick off their title defence at the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup, previously referred to as the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, under the guidance of Darwish Rasooli. The tournament will take place in Doha from November 14 to 23.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has unveiled a robust 15-member squad, featuring 10 players from last year’s championship-winning team, including vice-captain Sediqullah Atal, the enigmatic spinner AM Ghazanfar, and leg-spinner Qais Ahmad.
Placed in Pool B, Afghanistan A will compete against Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, and Hong Kong. Their campaign will commence on November 15 against Sri Lanka A, followed by clashes with Bangladesh A on November 17 and Hong Kong on November 19.
ACB CEO Naseeb Khan expressed optimism regarding the squad’s capacity to replicate last year’s achievement, stating, “Afghanistan A emerged as champions in the previous tournament and will aim to defend their title this year in Doha. We cherish last year’s memories and are determined to keep our title. I have full faith in the team’s ability to perform and bring glory to our nation once more.”
Rasooli’s lineup combines experience with youth, including several players who have represented the senior national team.
Atal, who contributed significantly with a half-century in last year’s final against Sri Lanka A, remains a pivotal player at the top of the order. He has become a regular part of Afghanistan’s senior team, having played 22 T20Is, 12 ODIs, and one Test.
The fast bowling unit will be led by Abdollah Ahmadzai, who made his T20I debut in September and participated in all three matches against Zimbabwe.
He will receive support from Bilal Sami and Faridoon Dawoodzai, while the spin department will be spearheaded by Ghazanfar and Qais Ahmad. Ghazanfar, just 19, is eager to regain his form after missing out on the T20I squad against Bangladesh in September.
Other noteworthy additions include wicketkeepers Noor Rahman and Mohammad Ishaq, in addition to all-rounders Nangeyalia Kharote and Farmanullah Safi.
The Rising Stars Asia Cup will consist of two groups of four teams each, with the top two from each group progressing to the semi-finals on November 21. The final is scheduled for November 23, with Afghanistan A aiming to defend the title they won last year in a thrilling conclusion.
Afghanistan A squad: Darwish Rasooli (captain), Sediqullah Atal (vice-captain), Noor Rahman (wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Zubaid Akbari, Imran Mir, Rahmanullah Zadran, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Nangeyalia Kharote, Farmanullah Safi, Qais Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Abdollah Ahmadzai, and Faridoon Dawoodzai.
Reserves: Wafiullah Tarakhil, Sediqullah Pacha, Yama Arab.
Fixtures:
Nov 15: vs Sri Lanka A – Doha
Nov 17: vs Bangladesh A – Doha
Nov 19: vs Hong Kong – Doha
Nov 21: Semi-finals – Doha
Nov 23: Final – Doha
Point of View
Under the guidance of Darwish Rasooli, is poised for a competitive challenge at the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup. Given their past success, one can expect a strong performance as they aim to retain their title. The blend of experienced players and new talent suggests a promising future for Afghan cricket.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup start?
The tournament begins on November 14, 2023.
Who is leading Afghanistan A in the tournament?
Darwish Rasooli is leading Afghanistan A during the tournament.
What teams are in Afghanistan A's group?
Afghanistan A is in Pool B with Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, and Hong Kong.
When will Afghanistan A play their first match?
Their first match is scheduled against Sri Lanka A on November 15, 2023.
Where is the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup being held?
The tournament is being held in Doha.
