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New Zealand will be facing Afghanistan in their first-ever Test match in a much-awaited game, so attaching a historic mark in cricket. September 9, 2024, is the one-off Test match between the two teams set to start at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground in Greater Noida, India.
New Zealand's Subcontinent Challenge
For New Zealand, who is scheduled to play six consecutive Test matches on the subcontinent—something they have not done in more than four decades—this game starts a difficult era. Historically, New Zealand has suffered in similar circumstances, losing forty of ninety games there. They are keen to raise their record, though, and this Test against Afghanistan offers a vital chance to start on a good basis.
Kane Williamson: Adaptability Is Key
Senior batter from New Zealand, Kane Williamson, has underlined the need of adjusting to subcontinent environment. Completing three warm-up games already, the Black Caps are set for the series. They do, however, provide difficult problems, especially in spin-friendly environments.
New Zealand's spin attack is bolstered by Ajaz Patel, who famously took all 10 wickets in an innings during a match in Mumbai in 2021. Patel is expected to lead the spin department, supported by all-rounders Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Michael Bracewell.
Ajaz Patel, who memorably scored all 10 wickets in an innings in a Mumbai game in 2021, supports New Zealand's spin attack. Supported by all-arounders Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Michael Bracewell, Patel is anticipated to run the spin department.
New Zealand's Seamers: Form and Concerns
Although Matt Henry is New Zealand's top seamer right now, captain Tim Southee is under investigation because of his recent drop in Test performance. Particularly if the conditions help quick bowlers, the squad might decide to give Will O'Rourke and Ben Sears chances during the series.
Afghanistan's Test Journey
Afghanistan, who gained Test status in 2017, will be participating just in their tenth Test match. In their limited Test career, they have scored victories against Ireland, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe despite lack of experience. Afghanistan comes into this fight, though, having lost their last three Test matches against Ireland, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
Afghanistan suffers greatly without important players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz; but, the team is resolved to meet the challenge. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, with an outstanding Test average of 44.09, will lead the batting line alongside seasoned hitters Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah. Expected to make his Test debut is seam-bowling all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai.
Afghanistan will depend on Zia-ur-Rehman, Zahir Khan, Khalil Ahmed, and Qais Ahmad in the spin department to take advantage of the subcontinent conditions.
Weather Forecast and Venue
Afghanistan has past experience at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, where the game will take place; they have played five ODIs and six T20s. Still, the weather is probably erratic; rain and thunderstorms are expected all through the week, so influencing the game.
Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test 2024: Key Details
- Match Date: September 9, 2024 (Monday)
- Venue: Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, Greater Noida, India
- Match Time: 10:00 AM IST (Indian Standard Time)
How to Watch Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test 2024 Live
In Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, fans can watch the match live on TV on RTA Sports, while Etisalat will provide live-streaming service.
In New Zealand
New Zealand audience can watch the series live on SKY.
In India, Maldives and Bhutan
Telecast of the match is available on Eurosports in India, while it can be live-streamed on the Fancode app or website.
In Pakistan
There is no broadcast option for the match in Pakistan, but it can be streamed online, on the Tapmad app or website.
In North America and Southeast Asia
Fans in North America and Southeast Asia can catch the match on Willow TV.
In MENA countries
Log on to Willow for live-streaming facilities for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries.
Afghanistan 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 Squad:
- Tim Southee (c)
- Tom Blundell (wk)
- Michael Bracewell
- Devon Conway
- Matt Henry
- Tom Latham
- Daryl Mitchell
- Will O'Rourke
- Ajaz Patel
- Glenn Phillips
- Rachin Ravindra
- Mitchell Santner
- Ben Sears
- Kane Williamson
- Will Young
The Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test match 2024 is poised to be a fascinating contest, with both teams facing unique challenges. For New Zealand, it’s the beginning of a demanding subcontinental tour, while Afghanistan looks to make the most of their home-like conditions despite missing key players. Don't miss out on this historic match as New Zealand takes on Afghanistan for the first time in Test cricket.
Afghanistan vs New Zealand: A Test Abandoned Without a Ball Bowled The historic Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test match that was abandoned without a ball being bowled in Greater Noida. learn about previous matches