Afghanistan have unveiled a 16-member squad for his or her upcoming one-off Take a look at towards New Zealand, scheduled to start out on Monday (September 9) in Higher Noida. Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the workforce, although they are going to be with out their star spinner Rashid Khan, who’s sidelined resulting from harm. This match will mark Afghanistan’s first-ever Take a look at towards 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. Gifted all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, who has been impressed with the white-ball codecs over the previous yr, will seemingly 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 shall be led by Qais Ahmad, Zia-ur Rehman, Khalil Ahmad and Zahir Khan. Nijat Masood is the lone specialist pacer within the squad. Notably, distinguished gamers like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Karim Janat weren’t thought of as they weren’t a part of the preliminary squad.
In response to 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 Checks, all one-off collection towards Eire, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Their most up-to-date Take a look at was a one-off match towards Eire earlier this yr, which they misplaced by six wickets.
Additionally READ: Former Indian batting coach joins New Zealand for the one-off Take a look at towards Afghanistan; red-ball legend named spin coach
Key exclusions of Gulbadin Naib and accidents
Veteran participant Gulbadin Naib, regardless of his sturdy 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 workforce with some key gaps. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has suggested Zadran to relaxation for 3-4 weeks earlier than the upcoming ODI collection towards South Africa within the UAE. Yama Arab and Farid Ahmed Malik had been additionally overlooked of the squad, whereas Noor Ali Zadran, who performed in Afghanistan’s final Take a look at towards Eire, introduced his retirement from worldwide cricket in March and won’t be a part of the workforce.
🚨 Replace🚨
Quick Bowler Naveed Zadran has been dominated out of Afghanistan’s solely check match towards New Zealand resulting from 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 collection in UAE.
Get properly 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.
