Preview of the inaugural Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand cricket

New Zealand Starts Subcontinent Tour with Test Against Afghanistan at New Venue, This weekend, Cricket New Zealand and Afghanistan will meet for their first-ever Test match. After New Zealand’s shocking defeat to Afghanistan during the T20 World Cup in June, the teams now face off in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The spin-friendly conditions of Greater Noida could help even the contest despite New Zealand’s clear experience advantage.

The First Test Against New Zealand Since March

For New Zealand, this will be their first Test match since March and their first international game since June. A lot of focus has been on the country’s players deciding between club and country, with some opting for casual contracts. While this match is not part of the **World Test Championship (WTC), New Zealand will be looking to recover from their earlier loss to Afghanistan. They are currently ranked third in the WTC standings but face tough upcoming Tests in Sri Lanka and India, making their path to the finals difficult.

Afghanistan’s Test Cricket Journey

Test cricket is still relatively new for Afghanistan, as they have only played nine Test matches since gaining Test status in 2017. Their last three Test matches ended in losses, but a win against New Zealand could strengthen their case for more Test cricket opportunities. Afghanistan, often referred to as cricket’s nomads, have played at eight different venues in their first nine Test matches, with Greater Noida marking their ninth.

Key Players to Watch

One of the standout players for New Zealand is Ajaz Patel, a left-arm spinner who could play a crucial role in this series. When Patel became just the third bowler in history to take all ten wickets in a Test innings in 2021, India was informed. New Zealand’s captain, Kane Williamson, will also be under the spotlight. Despite his stellar Test form over the last two years, Williamson has struggled in India, averaging just 33.53 in eight Tests.

Afghanistan should keep a watch on Azmatullah Omarzai, an all-rounder, as this match might be his Test debut. However, Afghanistan will be without key players like Rashid Khan, who is taking a break from Test cricket, and Ibrahim Zadran, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. This Test will also see the absence of some well-known T20 players, making it a challenge for Afghanistan to adjust to the five-day format.

Probable Team Lineups

Afghanistan’s possible lineup includes:

– Abdul Malik
– Riaz Hassan
– Rahmat Shah
– Bahir Shah
– Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain)
– Azmatullah Omarzai
– Ikram Alikhil (wicketkeeper)
– Zia-ur-Rehman
– Qais Ahmad/Khalil Ahmed
– Nijat Masood
– Zahir Khan

New Zealand’s probable team features:

– Tom Latham
– Devon Conway
– Kane Williamson
– Rachin Ravindra
– Daryl Mitchell
– Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper)
– Glenn Phillips/Michael Bracewell
– Mitchell Santner
– Tim Southee (captain)
– Matt Henry/Ben Sears/Will O’Rourke
– Ajaz Patel

Pitch and Weather Conditions in Greater Noida

Greater Noida, making its debut as a Test venue, is expected to offer conditions that favor spin bowling over pace, especially with the forecast of rain throughout the week. New Zealand already had to cancel a practice session due to unfavorable weather, and more rain is expected. The team that adapts to the conditions best will likely have the upper hand.

New Zealand’s Struggles in India

New Zealand’s poor record in India is no secret—they haven’t won a Test in the country since 1988. Despite this, Williamson will aim to improve his record in India, while captain Tim Southee looks to lead the bowling attack after a tough year in Test cricket. For Afghanistan, this match offers a golden opportunity to make a statement and show they deserve more Test cricket.

Quotes

Tim Southee, New Zealand captain: “It’s tough. Six Test matches in this part of the world, you’d think spin plays a majority of the part as a bowling unit. We also have four excellent pace bowlers available to us. So it’s about which balance is right.”

Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi: “I believe it’s difficult to be without someone like Rashid Khan, who has performed admirably for us in Test cricket in the past. Thus, he and a few other players will be missed. However, we also have other talented guys on our team. They have the chance to demonstrate their talent and establish themselves in the cricket world. I believe that if we perform well, particularly in Test cricket, everyone will talk about this in a positive light.”

Final Thoughts

The upcoming Cricket New Zealand and Afghanistan Test match promises to be a historic occasion. As both teams face different challenges—whether it’s adapting to the conditions, missing key players, or shaking off the rust from a long break—the match could be a defining moment for both sides. Keep an eye on the spin-friendly conditions in Greater Noida and how both teams respond to them.

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