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Key Points

Afghanistan's young fast bowler Mohammad Saleem Safi has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh due to a groin injury. The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed that Safi will undergo rehabilitation while Bilal Sami takes his place in the squad. This comes at a challenging time for Afghanistan, who were just whitewashed 3-0 in the T20I series against Bangladesh. The ODI series presents a crucial opportunity for Afghanistan to bounce back and regain some momentum.

Key Points: Afghanistan's Safi Ruled Out of Bangladesh ODI Series

  • Mohammad Saleem Safi ruled out with groin injury requiring rehabilitation
  • Bilal Sami promoted from reserves to main ODI squad
  • Afghanistan seeks redemption after 3-0 T20I series defeat
  • Bangladesh aims to continue dominance after Asia Cup victory
  • All three ODIs to be played at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium
  • Series crucial for Afghanistan's confidence rebuilding efforts
2 min read

Safi ruled out of Afghanistan's ODI series against Bangladesh, Sami named replacement

Fast bowler Mohammad Saleem Safi misses Bangladesh ODIs due to groin injury, replaced by Bilal Sami as Afghanistan seeks redemption after T20I whitewash.

"Team Physio believes that he is unlikely to be ready for the first ODI - Afghanistan Cricket Board"

Abu Dhabi, Oct 6

Afghanistan’s young right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Saleem Safi has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh due to a groin (adductor) overload, said the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Monday.

Safi has played one Test and T20I for Afghanistan, apart from two ODI appearances. In his absence, fast bowler Bilal Sami, who’s played one ODI so far, has been promoted from the reserves pool to Afghanistan’s main squad for the series to be played totally at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium on October 8, 11 and 14 respectively.

“Team Physio believes that he is unlikely to be ready for the first ODI, which is scheduled for this Wednesday. Saleem will continue his rehabilitation at the ACB's High Performance Center until he fully recovers and can rejoin the national setup,” further said the ACB in its statement.

The ODI series will be crucial for Afghanistan to get some wins under its belt after losing the T20I series 3-0 to Bangladesh in Sharjah. In the final T20I between the two teams on Sunday, Afghanistan, sent in to bat first, struggled to build momentum throughout their innings.

They lost wickets falling at regular intervals, till a late surge from Darwish Rasooli (32) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman lifted them to 143/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Their bowlers were also ineffective as Saif Hassan starred with an unbeaten 64 off 38 balls to guide Bangladesh to a six-wicket victory and 3-0 T20I series win.

The series victory came on the back of Bangladesh beating Afghanistan by eight runs in the Men’s T20 Asia Cup in the UAE. The last time Bangladesh and Afghanistan met in a three-match ODI series, it was in November 2024, with the latter winning by 2-1 margin.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
After that 3-0 T20I loss, Afghanistan really needs to bounce back in the ODIs. The batting lineup needs to step up - 143/9 is just not enough against quality sides like Bangladesh. Hope the team management works on their strategy.
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Arjun K
Bilal Sami has been waiting for this opportunity! Sometimes injuries open doors for new talent. Afghanistan cricket has always produced exciting fast bowlers - hoping Sami makes the most of this chance. 🤞
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Sarah B
The ACB seems to be handling player welfare well with proper rehabilitation at the High Performance Center. Good to see cricket boards prioritizing player health over rushing them back from injuries.
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Vikram M
Bangladesh looking really strong in recent matches! Their batting lineup, especially Saif Hassan, is in great form. Afghanistan needs to find answers quickly or this could be another tough series for them.
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Michael C
Interesting that all matches are at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The pitch conditions there usually favor spinners, but both teams have quality spin attacks. Should be a fascinating contest between bat and ball!

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