Afghanistan has finalized its 16-member squad for the upcoming one-off Test match against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on September 9th in Greater Noida. The selection process involved a rigorous 10-day preparation camp where 19 players showcased their skills and competed for a spot in the final team.
Three uncapped players have earned their maiden call-up for the Test: opener Riaz Hassan, all-rounder Shamsurrahman, and pacer Khalil Ahmed. This selection reflects the selectors’ commitment to unearthing new talent and fostering a competitive environment within the team.
The absence of star all-rounder Rashid Khan due to an ongoing injury adds a layer of intrigue to the squad composition. In his absence, the spin attack will be spearheaded by experienced campaigners Zahir Khan and Zia-ur-Rehman, who will be tasked with exploiting the conditions in Greater Noida.
Gulbadin Naib, Fareed Ahmad, and Yama Arab, all part of the initial squad announced last month, have been omitted from the final team. Pacer Naveed Zadran is also unavailable due to a side strain.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the squad selection, stating that it was based on players’ performances during the preparation camp. The final decision was made after consultations with the captain and coaching staff.
Afghanistan Squad:
* 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
This Test match promises to be a captivating encounter between two cricketing nations, with Afghanistan seeking to build on their recent successes while New Zealand aims to maintain their dominance in the longer format of the game. The inclusion of new faces in the Afghan squad adds a layer of excitement and uncertainty to the match, making it a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
