Gulbadin Naib misses out as Afghanistan announces 16-member squad for the one-off Test against New Zealand

Sep 6, 2024

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Gulbadin Naib misses out as Afghanistan announces 16-member squad for the one-off Test against New Zealand

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Afghanistan have unveiled a 16-member squad for their upcoming one-off Test against New Zealand, scheduled to start on Monday (September 9) in Greater Noida. Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the team, though they will be without their star spinner Rashid Khan, who is sidelined due to injury. This match will mark Afghanistan’s first-ever Test against New Zealand and their first Test outing since their remarkable semi-final run in the T20 World Cup 2024 held in the West Indies and United States of America (USA).

Key players and potential debuts

The squad features established batters such as Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah and captain Shahidi. Talented all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, who has been impressed with the white-ball formats over the past year, will likely make his Test debut. The batting lineup is further strengthened by opener Abdul Malik, newcomer Riaz Hassan, Baheer Shah and experienced wicket-keeper batters Ikram Alikhil and Afsar Zazai. Shahidullah Kamal and Shams Ur Rahman are included as all-rounders.

Spin and pace departments

The spin department will be led by Qais Ahmad, Zia-ur Rehman, Khalil Ahmad and Zahir Khan. Nijat Masood is the lone specialist pacer in the squad. Notably, prominent players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Karim Janat were not considered as they were not part of the preliminary squad.

According to a statement on Afghanistan’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the final squad was selected based on players’ performances during a preparation camp. Afghanistan have lost their last three Tests, all one-off series against Ireland, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Their most recent Test was a one-off match against Ireland earlier this year, which they lost by six wickets.

Also READ: Former Indian batting coach joins New Zealand for the one-off Test against Afghanistan; red-ball legend named spin coach

Key exclusions of Gulbadin Naib and injuries

Veteran player Gulbadin Naib, despite his strong performance in the T20 World Cup, was not included in the final squad after being named in initial 20 member squad . His absence, along with that of fast bowler Naveed Zadran, who is recovering from a side strain injury, has left the team with some key gaps. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has advised Zadran to rest for 3-4 weeks before the upcoming ODI series against South Africa in the UAE. Yama Arab and Farid Ahmed Malik were also left out of the squad, while Noor Ali Zadran, who played in Afghanistan’s last Test against Ireland, announced his retirement from international cricket in March and will not be part of the team.

🚨 Update🚨

Fast Bowler Naveed Zadran has been ruled out of Afghanistan’s only test match against New Zealand due to side strain injury.

The physio has advised him to rest for 3-4 weeks hoping that he gets better before the South Africa ODI series in UAE.

Get well soon Naveed! pic.twitter.com/0n2YlfGd5p

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 6, 2024

Afghanistan’s 16-member squad for the one-off New Zealand Test:

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.