AFG vs NZ Match Preview- Only Test, Afghanistan vs New Zealand in India 2024

AFG vs NZ Test is all set to script history as both sides are going to fight with each other for the first time with the red ball. Fans of both nations will be excited to watch the match at a neutral venue.

Yes, you heard that right. Interestingly, as BCCI has offered assistance to Afghanistan with a home stadium, the AFG vs NZ game will be played in India. Below we look at the complete preview of the match.

AFG vs NZ Test Date and Venue

The AFG vs NZ Test begins on Monday, September 9 with Day 1. The venue of the match is Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground in Greater Noida. The Day 1 begins at 9:30 AM IST.

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AFG vs NZ Match Preview- Only Test, Afghanistan vs New Zealand in India 2024

Afghanistan

Hashmatullah Shahid leads Afghanistan in the Test series. All key members are part of the side.

AFG Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Afsar Zazai (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK, Bahir Shah, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Shams Ur Rahman, Zia-ur-Rehman, Zahir Khan, Qais Ahmad, Khalil Ahmad, Nijat Masood.

New Zealand

Tim Southee leads New Zealand in the series. They have formed a strong squad for the game to outplay the home side.

NZ Squad: Tim Southee (C), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (vc), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young.

AFG vs NZ Key Battles

Kane Williamson vs Qais Ahmad

Kane Williamson will be looking to come up with a powerful show in the Test match and Qias Ahmad will eye to dismiss him as soon as possible. Notably, Williamson has a lot of experience playing in India through IPL.

Devon Conway vs Zahir Khan

Devon Conway is another Kiwi member who will be dangerous against Afghanistan. Zahir Khan will have the duty to halt him with his spin attack.

Hashmatullah Shahidi vs Tim Southee

Hashmatullah Shahidi is an Afghanistan skipper and a stunning batsman and Tim Southee will look to crush him with his pace attack. A captain vs captain clash will be charismatic to watch out for.

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AFG vs NZ Key Players

AFG- Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikra Alikhil, and Qais Ahmad are key members of the side.

NZ- Kane Williamson, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Devon Conway, and Tim Southee are a few key names in the New Zealand squad.

Weather And Pitch Report

There is more than a 50% chance of rain during the Day 1 of the Afghanistan vs New Zealand match. In the evening, there is a 44% chance of rain. Hence, the opening game is expected to witness heavy rainfall since it starts in the morning at 9:30 AM.

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Conclusion

The encounter is a big Test for both sides. While BlackCaps aims to avenge their defeat of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan looks to crush them once again to script history.

With the home advantage at spin-friendly Indian ground, Afghan has at least one thing in their favor.