“We know Afghanistan are a quality team and obviously they don’t have as much experience, but they’ll certainly put up a good fight and certainly grow from every experience that they get and have,” said Ajaz Patel before New Zealand’s impending one-off Test against Afghanistan. The Kiwi left-arm spinner is expecting some fight from the Afghan team, that has been groundbreaking in recent times in white-ball formats. They almost reached the semis of the ODI World Cup 2023 (had Glenn Maxwell didn’t come up with an all-timer) before upstaging Australia to ultimately reach the final four during recent T20 World Cup.
Afghanistan name exciting squad vs New Zealand
Afghanistan has announced a 16-member squad for their historic one-off Test against New Zealand, starting September 9th in Greater Noida. The squad features a blend of experience and exciting new talent. Three uncapped players have been included: opening batsman Riaz Hassan, off-spinning all-rounder Shams Ur Rahman, and young pacer Khalil Ahmed. Afghanistan is known for bringing fresh faces to the fore and they will be looking to make their mark on the biggest stage.
In the absence of the Rashid Khan, the spin attack will be spearheaded by Zahir Khan and Zia-ur-Rehman. Fast bowler Naveed Zadran, who impressed in the previous Test, is unfortunately ruled out with a side strain. The wicketkeeper’s slot is also up for grabs, with Ikram Alikhil and Afsar Zazai vying for selection under the leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi.
New Zealand to prep for India
While this Test won’t be part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle, New Zealand have a packed Test schedule in hand. They face Sri Lanka in a two-match affair away from home, where it will be a test of application and patience. However, the mega challenge will come when the Black Caps comes to India for a 3-match rubber. Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai will host the Test matches and expect some batting-friendly wickets there. The Kiwi batters will be challenged against a top, top quality bowling attack of the Indian team.
Hence, the Greater Noida Test against Afghanistan would be more crucial for them in order to prepare for a difficult period in the subcontinent.
Afghanistan squad vs New Zealand
Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Baheer Shah Mahboob, Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Shahidullah Kamal, Afsar Zazai (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, Shams Ur Rahman, Qais Ahmad, Zahir Khan, Nijat Masood, Khalil Ahmad.
New Zealand squad vs Afghanistan
Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (vc), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young
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