The one-off Test between New Zealand and Afghanistan will be played on 9th September at Greater Noida.
Match Preview:
The last time New Zealand and Afghanistan faced each other was during the Group Stage of the T20 World Cup, 2024. And it was the first time Afghanistan overpowered the Kiwis, handing them a rare early exit from the tournament. But Test, of course, is altogether a different format and inarguably the tough format of the game where you need temperament and as well as experience.
And in terms of experience, Afghanistan lacks it the most. They are not part of the ongoing ICC Test Championship and since their induction to the Test format in 2017 they have played nine Test matches so far. The tenth will be against New Zealand.
Afghanistan will be playing without Rashid Khan that means Zahir Khan and Zia-ur-Rehman will lead the spin attack. Azmatullah Omarzai can make his debut on Monday as well. He has been a regular part of the Afghanistan team and was impressive in the ODI World Cup 2023 as well and his ability to bat is commendable as well.
But right before the test, Afghanistan had to face a problematic situation as Ibrahim Zadran picked the injury on the eve of the Test. It is not sure whether he will play tomorrow or not as the skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi said:
“We’re not sure 100% what will happen tomorrow,”
Regardless, the skipper was confident to beat the New Zealand in the upcoming one-off Test
We have talented players, and we can do well in every department. It’s (New Zealand is) tough, but if we play to our strength, we can beat any team,” he said.
Talking about New Zealand, they will be playing their Test match in March and their first international duty since June. There is not much at stake considering the ongoing WTC as this test is not part of the cycle. Nevertheless, the side will look for a revenge considering they were beaten by the same opponent at the T20 World Cup 2024. And this Test could be a great practice as they will be playing a three-match Test series against India, soon.
All eyes will be on Kane Williamson as he has been a mainstay of the Test team, but he struggles in India. He only averages 33.53 in India and hasn’t hit a century on India turf since 2010.
The skipper Tim Southee considers it a tough challenge to play on foreign conditions but is excited to play.
“Conditions are foreign to what we are used to, but we are excited about the chance of playing six Test matches on the bounce here in the sub-continent,” said Tim Southee, the New Zealand captain.
Playing XIs: (probable)
Afghanistan: 1 Abdul Malik, 2 Ibrahim Zadran/Riaz Hassan, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Bahir Shah, 5 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 6 Azmatullah Omarzai, 7 Ikram Alikhil (wk), 8 Zia-ur-Rehman, 9 Qais Ahmad/Khalil Ahmed, 10 Nijat Masood, 11 Zahir Khan
New Zealand: 1 Tom Latham, 2 Devon Conway, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Rachin Ravindra, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Tom Blundell (wk), 7 Glenn Phillips/Michael Bracewell, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee (capt), 10 Matt Henry/Ben Sears/Will O’Rourke, 11 Ajaz Patel
Pitch and weather report:
The weather does not look promising as it was raining on the eve of the test as well. The kiwis called-off their practice due to the conditions and the rain could spoil the test match for a day or two as well.
The stadium has not seen a Test match as of yet although 11 ODIs and T20is have been played on this ground. The pitch is supposed to assist spinners more than pacers but eventually depends on the weather as well.
Head-to-head:
This will be the first time Afghanistan and New Zealand will face each other in the longest format of the game.
Predictions:
Although rain is expected to spoil the show, but New Zealand are favourites to win this Test match as they have experience players as compared to Afghanistan’s
Where to watch:
Pakistan: Tapmad
India: FanCode App and web
UK: SkySports
Others: CricHD
