The one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground has yet to commence, as the third day has been called off due to rain. Unfortunately, the first two days were also abandoned because of wet outfield conditions, meaning the toss has not taken place yet.
In a significant blow to the Afghan team, star all-rounder Rashid Khan will miss the Test due to a back injury he sustained while playing in the Shpageeza Cricket League earlier in July.
The New Zealand squad arrived in India with a strong spin-bowling contingent, including Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips.
Afghanistan’s skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi expressed hope for better conditions and emphasized the importance of establishing a consistent venue in India, which has been vital for the team’s development. He mentioned that India has served as a home ground for Afghanistan, highlighting the need for stability in hosting international matches.
Squads:
Afghanistan:
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Riaz Hassan
- Abdul Malik
- Rahmat Shah
- Baheer Shah Mahboob
- Ikram Alikhil (WK)
- Shahidullah Kamal
- Gulbadin Naib
- Afsar Zazai (WK)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Ziaurrahman Akbar
- Shamsurrahman
- Qais Ahmad
- Zahir Khan
- Nijat Masoud
- Farid Ahmad Malik
- Naveed Zadran
- Khalil Ahmad
- Yama Arab
New Zealand:
- Tim Southee (C)
- Tom Blundell (WK)
- Michael Bracewell
- Devon Conway
- Matt Henry
- Tom Latham (VC)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Will O’Rourke
- Ajaz Patel
- Glenn Phillips
- Rachin Ravindra
- Mitchell Santner
- Ben Sears
- Kane Williamson
- Will Young
Fans and players alike will be hoping for improved weather conditions so that the match can finally begin.
