The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a new 16-member squad for their forthcoming one-off Test match against New Zealand, scheduled to begin in Greater Noida on September 9.
This selection includes three uncapped players, reflecting the team’s ongoing efforts to build and diversify their roster. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what to anticipate from the Afghan side and the implications of these new inclusions.
Uncapped Players Making Their Debut
The squad for the match against New Zealand features three promising newcomers:
- Riaz Hassan: An opening batter with a solid track record in domestic cricket. Hassan’s inclusion is a nod to his consistent performances and potential to make an impact at the international level.
- Shams Ur Rahman: An off-spin allrounder known for his strategic bowling and useful lower-order batting. Rahman’s versatility is expected to strengthen the Afghan squad’s middle order and provide crucial support in the spin department.
- Khalil Ahmad: A fast bowler whose addition is anticipated to bolster the pace attack. Ahmad’s performance in domestic circuits has earned him a spot, and his ability to swing the ball could be a significant asset.
Changes Due to Injuries
The squad has seen some notable changes due to injuries. Fast bowler Naveed Zadran, who played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s recent Test victory against Ireland, taking five wickets, has been sidelined due to a side strain. This injury is expected to keep him out for around three to four weeks, impacting his involvement in the forthcoming South Africa ODI series in the UAE. His absence opens up an opportunity for Khalil Ahmad to step in and make his mark.
In addition to Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Fareed Ahmad, and Yama Arab have also been excluded from the 20-member preliminary squad announced last month. Their omission highlights a strategic shift as the team gears up for the Test against New Zealand.
Spin Attack Leadership
With Rashid Khan unavailable due to injury, the spin attack will be led by Zahir Khan and Zia-ur-Rehman. Rashid’s absence is significant, given his role as a leading spinner for Afghanistan. However, the experience of Zahir Khan and the promising talent of Zia-ur-Rehman are expected to compensate for this loss. For further insights on Rashid Khan’s recent performances and injuries, check out our detailed analysis on his impact here.
Wicketkeeper Controversy
The position of wicketkeeper remains a point of contention with both Ikram Alikhil and Afsar Zazai competing for the role. This decision will be crucial as the team looks to find stability behind the stumps. The choice between Alikhil and Zazai could impact the team’s dynamics significantly.
Squad Details
The finalized 16-member squad for the Test against New Zealand includes:
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Rahmat Shah
- Abdul Malik
- Riaz Hassan
- Afsar Zazai (wk)
- Ikram Alikhil (wk)
- Bahir Shah
- Shahidullah Kamal
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Shams Ur Rahman
- Zia-ur-Rehman
- Zahir Khan
- Qais Ahmad
- Khalil Ahmad
- Nijat Masood
This squad reflects the ACB’s strategy to blend experience with new talent as they prepare for the challenging encounter against a formidable New Zealand team.
For a full overview of the squad and fixture details, visit our series page here.
Preparation and Selection Process
According to the ACB, the squad was finalized based on the players’ performance during a preparation camp held in Greater Noida. This camp, which lasted for about ten days, was attended by 19 players. After thorough evaluations and consultations with the captain and coaching staff, the 16-member squad was selected. For more details on the preparation camp and its impact, explore our recent update on team preparations.
Conclusion
The selection of Afghanistan’s squad for the Test against New Zealand marks a significant moment in the team’s journey. With new faces and strategic adjustments, the match promises to be an exciting showcase of emerging talent and experienced players.
For live updates and in-depth analysis of player performances, check out the match page on the ICC website.
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