Afghanistan (AFG) and New Zealand (NZ) are set to square off in the Test match arena for the first time. The significant one-off encounter is going to get underway on Monday, September 9, at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground in Greater Noida.
After getting their Test status in 2017, Afghanistan have only played nine Test matches. Hashmatullah Shahidi, who will be leading the Blue Tigers in this highly-anticipated clash, spoke about the need to arrange more red-ball fixtures to help his side improve in the format. Afghanistan have taken giant strides in a relatively short time in the white-ball formats but there is still a lot of ground to cover in Test cricket.
Also Read: Hashmatullah Shahidi wants more Test matches for Afghanistan and dedicated home venue in India
The lack of experience could be a cause of concern for Afghanistan against a strong New Zealand side. Afghanistan have played two Test matches this year. They faced Sri Lanka in Colombo in February and suffered a 10-wicket defeat. Shortly after that, Afghanistan lost another Test, this time against Ireland in Abu Dhabi by six wickets. This was the European side’s first win in red-ball cricket.
Meanwhile, New Zealand beat a second-string South African team 2-0 at home in February. However, the Blackcaps subsequently lost 0-2 to Australia on home soil. The inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) winners are currently placed at No. 3 on the points table of the current cycle. While they will not be able to earn any point from this game since it is not a WTC fixture, it will give them some handy red-ball preparation ahead of their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Galle and the subsequent three-match Test tour of India, both of which will count towards the WTC standings.
Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground Pitch Report
The Greater Noida Sports Complex will be hosting a Test match for the first time. In previous first-class matches, the venue has favoured the batters. However, the last first-class fixture hosted by this venue was way back in 2017. Incidentally, Afghanistancompeted in that ICC Inter-Continental Cup 2015-2017 fixture against Ireland. In the first three innings of red-ball matches at this ground, the average score is over 300 runs. However, the average score in the fourth innings drops to 219. The captain who wins the toss should opt to bat first as batting last will be difficult, with spinners getting more assistance from the surface.
Click here: AFG vs NZ Live Score, Only Test
AFG vs NZ Predicted Playing XI
Afghanistan (AFG)
Afghanistan will be without the services of their talismanic all-rounder Rashid Khan. He was ruled out of the encounter due to a back injury. Also, dependable opening batter Ibrahim Zadran is doubtful for this clash after injuring his ankle during the team’s final practice session on Sunday, September 8.
Predicted XI: Bahir Shah, Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Karim Janat, Zia-ur-Rahman, Naveed Zadran, Nijat Masood, Zahir Khan
New Zealand (NZ)
It will be interesting to see what kind of bowling combination New Zealand opt for. If they go in with two frontline pacers and rely on Daryl Mitchell’s medium-pace as a backup, then Matt Henry could partner Southee with the new ball. Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner are the specialist spinners in the side while Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell are more than handy options as tweakers.
Predicted XI: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (c), Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel
Also Read: Six Test matches in sub-continent will be great challenge for us: New Zealand skipper Tim Southee
AFG vs NZ, Only Test, Where To Watch:
| Date | Monday, September 9 – Friday, September 13 |
| Timing | 10:00 AM (IST) |
| Live Streaming | FanCode (app and website), EuroSport TV channel (broadcast) |
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