Cricket | Afghanistan boosted by Stanikzai's return<br>

Afghanistan have been boosted by the return of their regular captain, Asghar Stanikzai, after he was declared fit following an appendicitis surgery that he underwent in February that prevented him from participating in the World Cup Qualifier so far.

It would come as a relief for Rashid Khan, the 19-year-old legspinner who was leading Afghanistan in his absence, who saw a dip in the wickets column as a result of the additional responsibility. Stanikzai will slot in instead of Afsar Zazai, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Afghanistan, in order to qualify for the World Cup next year, will have to win both the remainder of their games in the Super Sixes, by large margins to boost a low net run-rate. That, in addition to banking on Scotland and Zimbabwe losing their final games to Windies and the UAE respectively. Afghanistan will face-off against UAE on Tuesday (March 20), before taking on Ireland on March 23.

(CRICBUZZ)