As Afghanistan prepares to embark on a historic cricketing journey, they are set to face New Zealand in a one-off Test match starting September 9 in Greater Noida.
This will be Afghanistan’s maiden Test match against New Zealand, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing history. Let’s dive into the details of Afghanistan’s squad, the key players missing from the lineup, and the latest updates on New Zealand’s coaching staff.
Afghanistan’s Squad for the Maiden one-off Test
The Afghanistan Test squad for this monumental clash against New Zealand features a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents. Leading the team will be Hashmatullah Shahidi, who brings experience and leadership to the role. Shahidi, who has previously captained Afghanistan in three of his eight Test appearances, will be pivotal in guiding his team through this challenging encounter.
Key Players in the Squad:
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c): As captain, Shahidi’s role will be crucial in setting the tone and strategy for the team.
- Ibrahim Zadran: A promising young talent known for his solid batting technique.
- Rahmat Shah: An experienced batsman who has consistently performed well in the middle order.
- Azmatullah Omarzai: A versatile all-rounder who can contribute both with the bat and ball.
The squad also includes several other noteworthy players:
- Abdul Malik
- Riaz Hassan
- Afsar Zazai
- Ikram Alikhil
- Baheer Shah Mahboob
- Shahidullah Kamal
- Shams Ur Rahman
- Zia Ur Rahman Akbar
- Zahir Khan Pakteen
- Qais Ahmad
- Khalil Ahmad
- Nijat Masood
For a detailed look at the full squad and their roles, visit our Afghanistan vs New Zealand 2024 squads page.
Each of these players will play a vital role in the Test, whether it’s through batting, bowling, or fielding. Their collective performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of this historic match.
Key Absences from the Squad
While Afghanistan’s squad is largely well-rounded, there are a few notable absences that could impact the team’s performance.
- Rashid Khan: The versatile all-rounder is missing due to medical advice. Following recent back surgery, Rashid has been recommended to avoid long-format cricket for a year. His absence is significant, given his status as one of the world’s premier spin bowlers.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Not included in the preliminary squad, Gurbaz’s absence will be felt, especially given his aggressive batting style.
- Karim Janat: Also missing from the squad, Janat is known for his all-round capabilities, which will be missed in the lineup.
- Gulbadin Naib: Despite initially being included in the preliminary squad, the Naib did not secure a place in the final selection. His all-rounder skills could have added depth to the squad.
These absences could influence the dynamics of the team, and it will be interesting to see how the selected players step up in their absence.
For more details on the squad’s selection and updates, check out our fixtures and results page.
New Zealand’s Coaching Changes
In preparation for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, New Zealand has made strategic changes to their coaching staff. These adjustments are aimed at enhancing their performance and adding depth to their coaching expertise.
- Rangana Herath: Rangana Herath, the distinguished Sri Lankan left-arm spinner, has been designated as the new spin bowling coach for New Zealand. His extensive background in spin bowling is poised to significantly contribute to the development of New Zealand bowlers, equipping them to face the distinctive challenges presented by Afghanistan’s team.
- Vikram Rathour: The former India batting coach has joined New Zealand’s camp specifically for this Test match. Rathour’s expertise in batting will be valuable as New Zealand gears up to face Afghanistan’s bowlers.
These coaching changes are expected to bring fresh perspectives and insights, potentially giving New Zealand an edge in this crucial Test.
For further information on New Zealand’s coaching staff and their preparation for this Test, visit the official ICC news article.
As Afghanistan and New Zealand prepare for their one-off Test match, all eyes will be on the performance of the Afghan squad, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi. The match marks a significant milestone for Afghanistan as they take on a formidable New Zealand side. With key players missing and coaching changes in place, this Test promises to be an exciting and unpredictable encounter.
Stay updated with live scores and commentary as the Test unfolds. Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments section below, and explore our related articles for more insights into international cricket.
