Afghanistan‘s hopes of securing a positive result against New Zealand in the upcoming one-off Test match have taken a major hit with the news that star opener Ibrahim Zadran has been ruled out of the match. The Test, scheduled to be played at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground in Greater Noida from September 9 onwards, has already faced delays due to a wet outfield, with the toss yet to take place.

Ibrahim Zadran gets ruled out of Test and ODI leg

Zadran, who has established himself as one of Afghanistan’s key players in recent years, sustained an ankle sprain in his left leg. As a result, he will not only miss the crucial Test against New Zealand but will also be unavailable for Afghanistan’s three-match ODI series against South Africa, set to take place later this month in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the news on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing: “Injury Update: Afghanistan’s prolific top-order batter @IZadran18 has been ruled out of the upcoming one-off #AFGvNZ Test and the 3-match #AFGvSA ODI series due to an ankle sprain in his left leg. Get well soon, Ibra!”

Injury Update 🚨

Afghanistan’s prolific top-order batter @IZadran18 has been ruled out of the upcoming one-off #AFGvNZ Test and the 3-match #AFGvSA ODI series due to an ankle sprain in his left leg. 😕

Get well Soon, Ibra! 👍#AfghanAtalan | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/bX337neBV1

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 8, 2024

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Afghanistan likely to field inexperienced openers

Zadran’s injury presents a significant challenge for Afghanistan, as he has been one of their most consistent run-scorers across all formats. In his absence, Afghanistan are expected to rely on two relatively inexperienced openers, Abdul Malik and Riaz Hassan, to take on the formidable New Zealand bowling attack.

With Zadran out of action, Afghanistan’s batting lineup will need to step up if they are to compete with a strong New Zealand side in what promises to be a hard-fought Test match.

Importance of the one-off Test for Afghanistan

This one-off Test against New Zealand holds immense significance for Afghanistan, as it provides a rare opportunity for their team to gain valuable experience against one of the top cricketing nations. Afghanistan, still in the early stages of their Test cricket journey, has limited exposure to the longer format, making each match crucial for the development of their players and the growth of cricket in the country. Facing a well-established side like New Zealand will not only test their skills but also help them build the resilience and confidence needed to compete consistently at the highest level of international cricket.

Also READ: AFG vs NZ 2024, Only Test – Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | Afghanistan vs New Zealand

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