New Delhi: Afghanistan on Friday named a strong 16-member squad for their upcoming one-off Test against New Zealand scheduled at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida, beginning from September 9. The squad is highlighted by three uncapped players receiving maiden call-ups in Test cricket and the notable absentees are Gulbadin Naib and Naveed Zadran.
The three uncapped players are opening batter Riaz Hassan, off-spin allrounder Shams Ur Rahmanand and fast bowler Khalil Ahmed. Rashid Khan, who was expected to feature in the Test was forced out due to his back injury and in his absence, Zahir Khan and Zia-ur-Rehman will lead the spin attack. Afghanistan last played a Test match against Ireland in February-March and Rashid was a major missing there as well.
It was earlier announced in the day by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) that pacer Naveed Zadran has been ruled out with a side strain. He picked up five wickets in the Ireland Test and was a bright prospect for the game but has now become one of the four players to miss out on the 20-member preliminary squad. Naveed has been advised to rest for 3-4 weeks in order to get better before the South Africa ODI series scheduled in the UAE.
The other two members missing the Test match are Fareed Ahmad and Yama Arab. Meanwhile, it will be a tussle between Ikram Alikhil and Afsar Zazai to helm the wicketkeeper’s role for Afghanistan.
🚨 𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐃 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓! 🚨
The @ACBofficials Selection Committee named 16-member squad for the only test match against New Zealand starting this Monday, in Greater Noida, India. The squad is finalized based on players’ performance in the preparation camp.#AfgvsNZ pic.twitter.com/T9uciEkeuZ
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 6, 2024
“The squad is finalised based on players’ performance in the preparation camp. It is worth mentioning that 19 players participated in the preparation camp for around ten days in Greater Noida and eventually, after consultation with the captain and coaching staff, the 16-member squad was finalised,” ACB said in a statement.
Afghanistan squad for New Zealand Test:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), 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.
Afghanistan have announced a 16-member squad for their upcoming one-off Test against New Zealand which will be played in Greater Noida from September 9 to 13. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
