Afghanistan gets a big blow for the first two ODIs against Sri Lanka

Rashid Khan SL vs AFG Odi series The first two matches of the three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka will be played in Hambantota on June 2 and 4 respectively. Afghanistan will not be able to get the services of their main match-winner player.

Veteran leg-spinner Rashid Khan will not play in the first two ODIs between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Rashid Khan, 24, is down with a groin injury and is expected to return for the third and final ODI of the series. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has given an update on Rashid Khan's death.

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The physiotherapist of the Afghanistan team was quoted as saying, "Rashid Khan is under medical observation and is expected to return for the last ODI on June 7." Noor Ahmed is expected to play in Rashid's absence. Noor Ahmed made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka last year. He was also Rashid Khan's teammate in Gujarat Titans in IPL.

Sri Lanka-Afghanistan ODI series schedule

By the way, Afghanistan also have Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi as spin options for the ODI series against Sri Lanka. Three ODIs between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will be played at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota on June 2, 4 and 7 respectively.

Rashid-Noor's fire in IPL

Let us tell you that Rashid Khan performed brilliantly for IPL 2023 runner-up team Gujarat Titans. The leg-spinner took 27 wickets and was the joint second-highest wicket-taker for Gujarat along with Mohit Sharma. In the final, Rashid Khan could not show his strength and spent 44 runs in 3 overs while could not take any wicket.

Apart from this, Noor Ahmed also performed brilliantly for the Titans during the tournament. The left-arm wrist spinner got rid of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway in the final. He took two wickets for just 17 runs in 3 overs. Noor has played only one ODI and one T20 International match for Afghanistan so far.