The Afghanistan Cricket Board has introduced its preliminary squad for the one-off Check match scheduled in opposition to New Zealand in Larger Noida, India, from September 9-13.
They final performed a Check match in opposition to Eire in February earlier this 12 months and so they misplaced. In the meantime, the ACB has introduced a 20-member Check group for this one-off Check. The group named Hashmatullah Shahidi as its captain.
The 20-member squad will depart for India on August 28 and attend a one-week preparation camp in Larger Noida. Afghanistan’s standing as a Check cricketing nation is bettering with each sport they’re taking part in within the format. In the meantime, the officers will announce the ultimate squad for the Check match after the camp.
The likes of Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naveen-Ul-Haq will not be part of the Check group. Recognized faces within the squad embody Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Farid Ahmad Malik, and Qais Ahmed.
Afghanistan To Announce Squad For One-Off Check After Preparation Camp
Up to now they’ve performed Check cricket in opposition to groups like India, Bangladesh, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Eire. They’ve received in opposition to Eire and Bangladesh.
Ahmad Shah Sulimankhel, the Chief Selector mentioned, “20 gamers have been chosen for the coaching camp and a 15-member squad will probably be chosen to play the one Check match in opposition to New Zealand after observing their efficiency and health.”
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ACB Chairman Mr. Mirwais Ashraf has forwarded his greatest needs for the Check match saying that this match once more is a chance for the kids within the group to make an affect within the format.
“I’m completely satisfied to see some children within the squad who carried out properly in home cricket and have gotten the chance to be a part of the take a look at squad for this take a look at match.” He additional added that ACB is delighted to be embarking on its maiden bilateral occasion with New Zealand which is a high quality aspect in take a look at cricket and appears ahead to a aggressive occasion between black caps and Afghan Atalan” he mentioned.
Earlier, this 12 months, Afghanistan made it to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. They defeated groups like Uganda and PNG within the league stage and in addition defeated New Zealand.
The Afghans defeated Australia within the Tremendous 8 stage and knocked them out of the event. Sadly, the Afghans misplaced the semi-finals to South Africa. Rahmanullah Gurbaz ended because the top-scorer within the event with 281 from 8 matches. Fazalhaq Farooqi ended with 17 wickets within the event, probably the most alongside Arshdeep Singh.
As of now, Afghanistan ranks twelfth within the ICC Check rankings, under groups like Eire, Zimbabwe, and Bangladesh.
They’re nonetheless an unfinished product in Check cricket and matches in opposition to the highest groups will solely assist them get higher. Afghanistan defeated the Kiwis earlier this 12 months within the T20 World Cup and can hope to upset them in Check cricket as properly.
Afghanistan Squad For New Zealand One-Off Check
Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Baheer Shah Mahboob, Ikram Alikhel (wk), Shahidullah Kamal, Gulbadin Naib, Afsar Zazai (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ziaurrahman Akbar, Shamsurrahman, Qais Ahmad, Zahir Khan, Nijat Masoud, Farid Ahmad Malik, Naveed Zadran, Khalil Ahmad and Yama Arab.
