New Zealand Arrives in Greater : In an unexpected twist for cricket fans, New Zealand has landed in India, not to face the hosts, but for a groundbreaking Test match against Afghanistan. The Blackcaps arrived in Greater Noida on Thursday, September 5, 2024, to play a one off Test at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex, marking the first ever red ball encounter between the two nations.
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While Afghanistan has played many of its “home” matches in India, this Test match against New Zealand is a monumental occasion. It’s the first time Afghanistan will host a team of such stature for a Test on Indian soil, making this a landmark event for Afghan cricket. The match is set to be played from September 9 to 13, and it offers Afghanistan a chance to showcase their growing strength in the longest format of the game.
For New Zealand, this Test match serves as a vital tune up before their World Test Championship (WTC) series against Sri Lanka and India. Ranked third in the WTC standings, the Blackcaps, led by veteran pacer Tim Southee, are not taking this encounter lightly. Their squad includes world class players like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and spin bowling options to adapt to the subcontinent’s conditions.
Afghanistan’s Journey in Test Cricket
Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket has been nothing short of inspiring. Since earning Test status in 2017, they have played nine matches, securing three wins, including victories over Ireland, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe. Hosting New Zealand for this one off Test represents a significant milestone in their cricketing journey, signaling their growing capabilities and ambitions on the global stage.
Chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, Mirwais Ashraf, expressed his excitement, stating, “Hosting New Zealand for the first time in Test cricket is a huge achievement for us, and we are thrilled to welcome such a high quality team.”
Star Players Missing, But Challenges Await
While Afghanistan will be without their star all rounder Rashid Khan due to a back injury, their squad still boasts notable talent. Hashmatullah Shahidi will captain the side, with a lineup that includes exciting prospects like Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, and Qais Ahmad.
New Zealand, on the other hand, will rely heavily on their experienced core. The Blackcaps have brought five spin bowling options – Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips , preparing for the spin friendly conditions typical of Indian pitches. This strategic choice underscores New Zealand’s intent to dominate Afghanistan, even without home advantage.
As the cricketing world turns its eyes to Greater Noida, this match between New Zealand and Afghanistan promises to be a historic and intriguing contest. While New Zealand might be the overwhelming favorite, Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket suggests they could provide a stiff challenge, especially on Indian soil. Regardless of the outcome, this Test is a significant moment for both teams, and fans can expect a fiercely competitive encounter.
FAQs
When is the New Zealand vs Afghanistan Test match?
The match is scheduled from September 9 to 13, 2024
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