Afghanistan have put their faith in youth for the forthcoming World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

16 year-old Mujeeb Zadran is included after a incredible rise to fame in a short space of time. The teenager played a pivotal role in securing the U19 Asia Cup, plus his team's semi-final achievement in the U19 World Cup.

Mujeeb spun Ireland to defeat in his first ODI appearance to win the Man-of-the-Match award, showing he had what it took to succeed at senior as well as youth level.

He will be part of a formidable spinning triumvirate alongside the original teenage spin sensation Rashid Khan, and the vastly experienced Mohammed Nabi.

Mohammad Shahzad returns after ICC shortened what should have been a minimum of a one-year ban to nine months to allow him to play in the qualifiers.

There's no doubt the beefy wicket-keeper is an important addition to the squad and will increase Afghanistan's chances of securing one of the two places on offer.

Hamid Hassan misses out after breaking down again as he attempted a comeback, so the equally experienced Dawlat and Shapoor Zadran will spearhead the pace attack.

Afghanistan squad

Asghar Stanikzai (capt), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Javed Ahmadi, Ihsanullah Janat, Najibullah Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shenwari, Nasir Jamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Zadran, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran