Afghanistan can no longer be called minnows of world cricket. They are a Test team now, even though their first match against India was a two-day disaster.

Nonetheless, the Afghans need to be taken seriously in white-ball cricket especially since they have two world-class wrist spinners in Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman.

Afghanistan are clubbed with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, which makes it very tough for them to make the Super Four stage.

Here we take a look at their chances in the UAE.

COACH – PHIL SIMMONS

The West Indian has a tough challenge ahead of him. Asian teams in familiar conditions over 50 overs will truly show how good his team is. A coach with a lot of experience under his belt so should help the team stay on track.

CAPTAIN – ASGHAR AFGHAN

Experienced hand who will see the tournament as an opportunity to show his players are not just T20 specialists. Important part of middle order. Has changed his name in honour of his countrymen. Will need that passion on the field.

Rashid Khan.

STAR MAN – RASHID KHAN

White ball, dry pitches. Expect the leggie to turn up the heat. Has experience of conditions, plus took eight wickets in three ODIs in Ireland. So, in form. If he gets going, will run through most sides.

ONE TO WATCH – MUJEEB UR RAHMAN

The mystery spinner can be lethal on UAE pitches and batsmen should expect a tough time against him. His 10 overs will be critical. His economy is his big strength and those who haven’t faced him can find it very tough.

STRENGTHS – SPIN AND LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Spinners are Afghanistan’s strength and they have two world-class operators. Plus, have played a lot in UAE so know how the weather and pitch will behave. Should be at home in UAE’s September heat.

Mohammad Shahzad.

WEAKNESSES – LACK OF SURPRISE FACTOR

Most teams now know what to expect against Afghanistan. Also, their top order batting doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence. Much depends on their bowling and a handful of batsmen – Mohammad Shahzad, Afghan and Mohammad Nabi.

PREDICTION – GROUP STAGE

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have enough quality to make it to the Super four stage. Tough to see Afghanistan beating them over 50 overs in familiar conditions.

FULL SQUAD

Mohammad Shahzad, Javed Ahmadi, Asghar Afghan(c), Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shenwari, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Aftab Alam, Ihsanullah Janat, Sayed Shirzad, Wafadar, Munir Ahmad Kakar

SCHEDULE

Monday, September 17

15:30 Sri Lanka v Afghanistan, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Thursday, September 20

15:30 Bangladesh v Afghanistan, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi