The one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand is set to begin on September 9 (Monday) at the Saheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium in Greater Noida. Afghanistan will host the match, while New Zealand looks to use this opportunity to fine-tune their preparations ahead of their upcoming five Test matches in the Indian subcontinent.
This will mark New Zealand's first-ever Test against Afghanistan, kicking off a challenging few months for the Black Caps, who are set to play six consecutive long-format matches in the subcontinent—something they haven't done in four decades.
Given their subcontinent record, with 40 losses in 90 matches, New Zealand will be eager to get off to a strong start. Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, who famously took 10 wickets in an innings during his last visit to India in 2021, is expected to be part of the playing eleven.
More From This Section
For Afghanistan, there is uncertainty surrounding the availability of opener Ibrahim Zadran, who was seen limping on the eve of the match. Captain Hasmatullah Shahidi expressed doubts about Zadran’s inclusion but refrained from revealing the final playing eleven ahead of the toss.
AFG vs NZ
Afghanistan vs New Zealand Playing 11 prediction
Afghanistan Playing 11 probable: Abdul Malik, Ibrahim Zadran/Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Bahir Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Zia-ur-Rehman, Qais Ahmad/Khalil Ahmed, Nijat Masood, Zahir Khan.
New Zealand Playing 11 probables: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips/Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (capt), Matt Henry/Ben Sears/Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel.
Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test pitch report
Both the captains, Tim Southee and Hasmatullah Sahidi, failed to get a glimpse of the pitch on the eve of the match due to persistent rain. However, Sahidi revealed that his team played three-day Test match at Sahid Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium ahead of the one-off Test.
"We played one three-day game here, so we know the conditions. We will try to make the Playing 11 according to the conditions," Afghanistan captain said while addressing the mediapersons
Here's what both the captains said ahead of Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test
Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test pitch report
Both the captains, Tim Southee and Hasmatullah Sahidi, failed to get a glimpse of the pitch on the eve of the match due to persistent rain. However, Sahidi revealed that his team played three-day Test match at Sahid Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium ahead of the one-off Test.
"We played one three-day game here, so we know the conditions. We will try to make the Playing 11 according to the conditions," Afghanistan captain said while addressing the mediapersons
Here's what both the captains said ahead of Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test
AFG vs NZ one-off Test squads:
New Zealand 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
Afghanistan Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Baheer Shah Mahboob, Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Shahidullah Kamal, Afsar Zazai (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, Shams Ur Rahman, Qais Ahmad, Zahir Khan, Nijat Masood, Khalil Ahmad.
Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test Live Toss Timing, Streaming, and Telecast Details
When will the Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test match take place?
The Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test match will begin on Monday, September 9.
At what time will the Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test live toss take place on September 9?
The live toss for the Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test will take place at 9:30 AM IST on Monday (Sept 9).
At what time will the live match between Afghanistan and New Zealand start on September 9?
The AFG vs NZ Test will begin at 10:00 AM IST in Greater Noida.
Which TV channels will live telecast the Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test Test match in India?
The live telecast for the Test match between Afghanistan vs New Zealand will be available on EuroSport.
How to watch the live streaming of the AFG vs NZ Test match in India?
The live streaming of the Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand will be available on the FanCode app and website in India.