The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has named a 16-member squad for the one-off Test against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on September 9 in Greater Noida, India. This historic match marks the first Test encounter between the two teams.
Hashmatullah Shahidi will captain Afghanistan in the absence of star spinner Rashid Khan, who is unavailable due to medical advice following recent back surgery. Rashid, a key player in Afghanistan’s cricket history, last played a Test in 2021 against Zimbabwe. His absence weakens the team, as his spin bowling would have posed a significant challenge to New Zealand’s batsmen.
Afghanistan’s bowling lineup suffered another setback with the injury of promising pacer Naveed Zadran, who has been ruled out due to a side strain. This leaves Afghanistan’s bowling strength thin as they prepare to face a strong New Zealand side.
New Zealand, led by Tim Southee, has already arrived in India for the match. Moreover, the Kiwis are bringing a well-balanced squad, featuring key players such as Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and spinner Ajaz Patel.
Afghanistan Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Afsar Zazai (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Baheer Shah Mahboob, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Shams Ur Rahman, Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Qais Ahmad, Khalil Ahmad, Nijat Masood.
New Zealand Squad: 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.
Leave a Reply