Cricket fans are in for a treat as Afghanistan is all set to take on New Zealand in a one-off Test match on Indian soil. This will be the first time that the two teams face each other in Test cricket, marking a significant moment for both sides. For Afghanistan, it is an opportunity to prove their growing strength in the longer format, while New Zealand will be looking to break their subcontinental Test struggles.
New Zealand’s Subcontinental Challenge
New Zealand is entering a tough phase, where they are set to play six Test matches in the subcontinent. Historically, they have found it difficult to perform in these conditions. Out of the 90 matches they’ve played in the subcontinent, New Zealand has lost 40. As they prepare to tackle Afghanistan, their primary focus will be on adapting to the slow, turning pitches that heavily favor spinners.
Kane Williamson, the senior batsman, emphasized the need for the team to quickly adjust to these conditions. With a crucial series against India just around the corner, the New Zealand camp will aim to get the perfect preparation by performing well in this Test.
Spin to Dominate the Game
Both Afghanistan and New Zealand are expected to rely heavily on their spinners. New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel, who famously took 10 wickets in an innings against India in 2021, will be a key player to watch. Rachin Ravindra is also expected to play a crucial role, both with the ball and the bat. Along with Patel and Ravindra, New Zealand’s spin attack includes Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Michael Bracewell.
Afghanistan, known for their spin talent, will also count on their spinners to make a significant impact. Players like Qais Ahmed and Zahir Khan will lead the spin attack for Afghanistan. However, the challenge for Afghanistan will be to adapt their typically T20-focused squad to the demands of Test cricket.
Afghanistan’s Test Journey
Afghanistan gained Test status in 2017, and this will be only their tenth Test match. Although they have faced defeats against teams like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Ireland in recent outings, they have also secured victories against Bangladesh, Ireland, and Zimbabwe in earlier Tests. The team will be eager to showcase their growing capabilities in the longer format, and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the charge.
The Afghan team is still relatively new to the format, and their players have predominantly excelled in T20 cricket. The biggest challenge for them will be to adjust to the more patient and strategic approach that Test cricket demands.
AFG vs NZ Test: Where and How to Watch Live Streaming of the Afghanistan vs New Zealand Match
Teams for the Match:
Afghanistan Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Abdul Malik, Riaz Hasan, Afsar Zazai (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Bahir Shah, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Umarzai, Shams ur Rehman, Zia-ur-Rehman, Zahir Khan, Qais Ahmed, Khalil Ahmed, Nijat Masood.
New Zealand Squad: Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
The match kicks off at 10 AM IST, and fans are excited to see how both teams perform in this highly anticipated Test match.
