Star Sussex spinner Rashid Khan has been recalled by Afghanistan – and misses tonight’s South Group finale at home to Middlesex .

The 19-year-old returns home with 17 Vitality Blast wickets which have helped take Sharks to within one win of qualification to the last eight.

Sussex will be assured of a quarter-final spot if they complete the home-and-away double over Middlesex at Hove tonight (6.30pm).

Rashid has been a massive hit at Hove, bringing back memories of the heyday enjoyed by Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed at the club.

He has been cheered by a sizeable group of Afghan cricket fanatics.

Sussex secured an extension to Rashid’s original seven-match agreement.

It is highly likely they would look to bring him back next summer.

Afghanistan are preparing for a Twenty20 series in Ireland, which starts on Monday. 

A statement from Sussex released this morning referred to Rashid’s “first spell” with the club.

Head coach Jason Gillespie also had Rashid in his squad with Big Bash outfit Adelaide Strikers during our winter and was instrumental in bringing his services to Hove.

The Sussex statement this morning read: “Sussex Cricket would like to thank the ACB (Afghanistan Cricket Board) for their flexibility in allowing Rashid to remain with the club beyond his initial seven-match agreement.

“Everyone at the club would like to thank Rashid for his contributions on and off the pitch during his first spell with us.”