Afghanistan Unveils Three Fresh Faces in Test Squad for New Zealand Clash

Afghanistan’s final 16-man team for the one-off Test match against New Zealand, which is set to start in Greater Noida on September 9, includes three uncapped players: pacer Khalil Ahmed, all-rounder Shamsurrahman, and opener Riaz Hassan.

Rashid Khan, a talented all-rounder, is not in the team because he is healing from an injury. In Rashid’s absence, Afghanistan’s spin attack would be spearheaded by Zahir Khan and Zia-ur-Rehman.

The preliminary team that was revealed last month did not include Gulbadin Naib, Fareed Ahmad, or Yama Arab. Pacer Naveed Zadran is also not playing because of a side strain.

“The players’ performance in the training camp determines the final roster.” The Afghanistan Cricket Board stated in a release that the 16-member team was finally decided upon today following discussions with the skipper and coaching staff. It is noteworthy that 19 players took part in a preparatory camp in Greater Noida for almost ten days.

The 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 and Nijat Masood.

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