Afghanistan have unveiled a 16-member squad for his or her upcoming one-off Take a look at in opposition to New Zealand, scheduled to start out on Monday (September 9) in Higher Noida. Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the staff, although they are going to be with out their star spinner Rashid Khan, who’s sidelined on account of harm. This match will mark Afghanistan’s first-ever Take a look at in opposition to New Zealand and their first Take a look at outing since their exceptional semi-final run within the T20 World Cup 2024 held within the West Indies and United States of America (USA).
Key gamers and potential debuts
The squad options established batters reminiscent of Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah and captain Shahidi. Proficient all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, who has been impressed with the white-ball codecs over the previous 12 months, will probably make his Take a look at debut. The batting lineup is additional strengthened by opener Abdul Malik, newcomer Riaz Hassan, Baheer Shah and skilled wicket-keeper batters Ikram Alikhil and Afsar Zazai. Shahidullah Kamal and Shams Ur Rahman are included as all-rounders.
Spin and tempo departments
The spin division can be led by Qais Ahmad, Zia-ur Rehman, Khalil Ahmad and Zahir Khan. Nijat Masood is the lone specialist pacer within the squad. Notably, outstanding gamers like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Karim Janat weren’t thought of as they weren’t a part of the preliminary squad.
In accordance with a press release on Afghanistan’s official X (previously Twitter) deal with, the ultimate squad was chosen primarily based on gamers’ performances throughout a preparation camp. Afghanistan have misplaced their final three Exams, all one-off sequence in opposition to Eire, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Their most up-to-date Take a look at was a one-off match in opposition to Eire earlier this 12 months, which they misplaced by six wickets.
Additionally READ: Former Indian batting coach joins New Zealand for the one-off Take a look at in opposition to Afghanistan; red-ball legend named spin coach
Key exclusions of Gulbadin Naib and accidents
Veteran participant Gulbadin Naib, regardless of his robust efficiency within the T20 World Cup, was not included within the closing squad after being named in preliminary 20 member squad . His absence, together with that of quick bowler Naveed Zadran, who’s recovering from a aspect pressure harm, has left the staff with some key gaps. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has suggested Zadran to relaxation for 3-4 weeks earlier than the upcoming ODI sequence in opposition to South Africa within the UAE. Yama Arab and Farid Ahmed Malik have been additionally disregarded of the squad, whereas Noor Ali Zadran, who performed in Afghanistan’s final Take a look at in opposition to Eire, introduced his retirement from worldwide cricket in March and won’t be a part of the staff.
🚨 Replace🚨
Quick Bowler Naveed Zadran has been dominated out of Afghanistan’s solely take a look at match in opposition to New Zealand on account of aspect pressure harm.
The physio has suggested him to relaxation for 3-4 weeks hoping that he will get higher earlier than the South Africa ODI sequence in UAE.
Get nicely quickly Naveed! pic.twitter.com/0n2YlfGd5p
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 6, 2024
Afghanistan’s 16-member squad for the one-off New Zealand Take a look at:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Baheer Shah Mahboob, Ikram Alikhil, Afsar Zazai, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Shams Ur Rahman, Zia-ur Rehman Akbar, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Qais Ahmad, Khalil Ahmad, and Nijat Masood.