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Afghanistan announce dates and venue for one-off home Test against New Zealand

The Bald Eagle

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Afghanistan have announced a one-off Test match against New Zealand later in September.

Afghanistan will play a one-off Test match against New Zealand in India in September in what would be the first meeting between the sides in red-ball cricket.

The match would take place from September 9 to 13 at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground.

ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf expressed happiness in being able to host New Zealand for a Test match.

“We are delighted to host a quality New Zealand Test team for the first time in our cricketing history," Ashraf said in a statement released by Afghanistan Cricket Board.

"This is a testament to the hard work we have put in through numerous discussions and meetings with different boards on the sidelines of the various ICC Board Meetings.”

“The Blackcaps are an outstanding all-format team in world cricket, and we hope to reach an agreement with New Zealand Cricket for white-ball bilateral matches in the future.”

This will be the first meeting between these sides since Afghanistan comprehensively beat New Zealand in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.

This will be Afghanistan’s 10th Test match and their first against New Zealand since acquiring Test status in 2017.

Afghanistan have registered three wins in their nine Test matches so far, beating the likes of Ireland (2019), Bangladesh (2019), and Zimbabwe (2021).

New Zealand, meanwhile, will also play an ICC World Test Championship series in India in October.

Source: ICC
 
So Afghanistan is now gonna use India as their home ground place.

Anyways. Good for them. Red ball cricket si something these teams should be playing more.
 
Excellent cricket ground. Top tier in every way except these grounds do not have stands to accommodate tens of thousands. TERI ground, roshan ara and Palam air force are other three other top tier grounds.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Sears & O’Rourke set for Afghanistan & Sri Lanka Tests | Bracewell returns

BLACKCAPS pace-bowlers Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears are set for their first overseas Test experiences, while Michael Bracewell returns to the squad 18 months on from his last Test.

The trio has been included in a 15-strong touring party to face Afghanistan in a one-off Test in Noida (September 9-13) before heading to Sri Lanka for two ICC World Test Championship matches, starting September 18 and 26, respectively.

The squad features five spin options in left-armers Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel and Rachin Ravindra, alongside the right-arm off-spin of Bracewell and Glenn Phillips.

Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell will form a settled top order with Tom Blundell taking the gloves and Will Young providing the batting cover.

The September campaign begins a busy, four-month long period of cricket for the Test side, with three Tests scheduled in India across October and November, before England arrive in New Zealand for the much anticipated three-Test series to start the international home summer.

The BLACKCAPS currently sit third on the ICC WTC ladder ahead of their final three series.

O’Rourke and Sears announced themselves on the Test scene during the recent home summer and were rewarded with their first national contracts in July.

The 23-year-old O’Rourke claimed 11 wickets in his first two Test outings, including the best match-figures by a New Zealander on Test debut (nine for 93 v South Africa in February) before a groin injury ruled him out of the second Test against Australia.

Sears debuted in that second Test against Australia at Hagley Oval in March, claiming four for 90 in the second innings as the BLACKCAPS pushed within three wickets of a win on day four.

Bracewell returns to the Test squad after missing much of the past 18 months due to a serious achilles injury, which was followed by a broken finger in February.

The spin-bowling all-rounder returned to the BLACKCAPS for the white-ball tour to Pakistan in April and was part of the recent ICC T20 World Cup campaign in the West Indies.

Bracewell’s last Test was in March 2023 against Sri Lanka in Wellington, where he claimed five wickets as part of the BLACKCAPS innings victory.

Coach Gary Stead said it was exciting to welcome back Bracewell, as well as include O’Rourke and Sears for their first overseas Test assignments.

“It’s always great when young guys force their way into squads through performance and I know Will and Ben are really looking forward to the challenges of Test cricket in the sub-continent.

“Michael’s had to show plenty of resilience to rehabilitate his injuries and force his way back into the BLACKCAPS across all three formats.

“His all-round skills, and ability to take the ball away from the left-hander make him a great asset, especially on what we expect will be turning wickets in India and Sri Lanka.”

Test captain Tim Southee will be joined by his new ball partner Matt Henry who was the ANZ Player of the Series against Australia at the end of the home summer.

Tom Latham continues as vice-captain, with Stead acknowledging the possibility of Southee not playing every Test in Asia.

“Test tours to the sub-continent can ask some really tough questions of pace bowlers due to the nature of the pitches and the heat and humidity,” he said.

“While we’re going over with an open mind around conditions, there is an understanding that all our bowling options may be needed across the different Tests.

“Tim and I have discussed this, and the need during these overseas tours to balance the work-loads of the pace-bowlers, including himself, to ensure the team is best served.”

Stead said the two ICC WTC matches against Sri Lanka were crucial for the BLACKCAPS, who currently sit third on the ladder, behind last edition's finalists, Australia and India.

“We know how important the points in Sri Lanka will be to our chances of pushing for a finals spot in England next year.

“We managed one win from the two Test series in challenging conditions in Bangladesh last December and are keen to build on that.

“The whole squad is looking forward to test their skills in the longest form of the game in the sub-continent.”

BLACKCAPS Test 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

Kyle Jamieson wasn’t considered for selection as he continues his rehabilitation from a back injury.

Gary Stead will lead the coaching staff alongside batting coach Luke Ronchi.

Former Pakistan player and coach Saqlain Mushtaq rejoins the BLACKCAPS as bowling coach for the three away Tests, while James Foster rejoins as an assistant coach having been with the team at the past two ICC Cricket World Cups.

The BLACKCAPS Test squad departs for India on September 4, with New Zealand-based players attending a camp at Lincoln University this week from August 14-16.
 

ACB name R. Sridhar as National Team’s Asst. Coach for New Zealand and South Africa Fixtures​


The Afghanistan Cricket Board named Indian Ramakrishnan Sridhar as Assistant Coach of the National Team for upcoming events of one off test match against New Zealand and 3-match ODI series against South Africa.

54 year-old Sridhar has played 35 first class and 15 List A matches for India in domestic cricket.

He has been India’s national team Fielding Coach in more than 300 international matches including two ICC ODI and two T20I world cups. He has also served Kings XI Punjab as Spin Bowling Coach from 2014 to 2017 in India Premier League.

Sridhar is Level-3 certified coach who has served Indian U19 national team as Assistant Coach and Spin Bowling Coach too. From 2008 to 2014, Sridhar served India’s National Cricket Academy as an assistant fielding and spin bowling coach.

It is worth mentioning that the Afghanistan Cricket Board has appointed Sridhar as the assistant coach for the one-off Test against New Zealand and the 3-match ODI series against South Africa. The Afghanistan Cricket Board wish Sridhar fills the role effectively and hope to have long term contract with him in the future.

cricket.af

ACB name R. Sridhar as National Team’s Asst. Coach for New Zealand and South Africa Fixtures

Kabul: The Afghanistan Cricket Board named Indian Rama Krishna Sridhar as Assistant Coach of the National Team for upcoming events of one off test match against New Zealand and 3-match ODI series against South Africa.
cricket.af cricket.af
 
The Bald Eagle said:
Afghanistan have announced a one-off Test match against New Zealand later in September.

Afghanistan will play a one-off Test match against New Zealand in India in September in what would be the first meeting between the sides in red-ball cricket.

The match would take place from September 9 to 13 at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground.

ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf expressed happiness in being able to host New Zealand for a Test match.

“We are delighted to host a quality New Zealand Test team for the first time in our cricketing history," Ashraf said in a statement released by Afghanistan Cricket Board.

"This is a testament to the hard work we have put in through numerous discussions and meetings with different boards on the sidelines of the various ICC Board Meetings.”

“The Blackcaps are an outstanding all-format team in world cricket, and we hope to reach an agreement with New Zealand Cricket for white-ball bilateral matches in the future.”

This will be the first meeting between these sides since Afghanistan comprehensively beat New Zealand in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.

This will be Afghanistan’s 10th Test match and their first against New Zealand since acquiring Test status in 2017.

Afghanistan have registered three wins in their nine Test matches so far, beating the likes of Ireland (2019), Bangladesh (2019), and Zimbabwe (2021).

New Zealand, meanwhile, will also play an ICC World Test Championship series in India in October.

Source: ICC
Click to expand...

I will try to attend this test match in solidarity with my Afghan brothers. Been a while since I went to Noida. Is it still a boring city.
 
Bhaijaan said:
I will try to attend this test match in solidarity with my Afghan brothers. Been a while since I went to Noida. Is it still a boring city.
Click to expand...
I just googled Noida. it seems like a nice and well organised city with nice infrastructure.

It will be nice to see Afghanistan play a test here.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
I just googled Noida. it seems like a nice and well organised city with nice infrastructure.

It will be nice to see Afghanistan play a test here.
Click to expand...

It is a decently planned city but unfortunately or fortunately it lacks the vibe. Delhi and Gurugram culture is influenced by party loving life loving Punjabis.
 
ACB announces preliminary squad before the one-off test against New Zealand

Kabul: 26th August 2024: Afghanistan Cricket Board’s Selection Committee named a 20-member preliminary Squad for the one-off test match against New Zealand from September 9-13 in Greater Noida, India.

The 20-member squad will leave for India on August 28 and attend a one-week preparation camp in Greater Noida.

The officials from the selection committee said that the final squad will be announced at the end of the camp considering players’ performance and fitness. Ahmad Shah Sulimankhel, the Chief Selector said, “20 players have been selected for the training camp and a 15-member squad will be selected to play the only Test match against New Zealand after observing their performance and fitness.”

The preliminary squad includes the following players:

Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Baheer Shah Mahboob, Ikram Alikhel (wk), Shahidullah Kamal, Gulbadin Naib, Afsar Zazai (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ziaurrahman Akbar, Shamsurrahman, Qais Ahmad, Zahir Khan, Nijat Masoud, Farid Ahmad Malik, Naveed Zadran, Khalil Ahmad and Yama Arab.

ACB Chairman Mr. Mirwais Ashraf: “I am happy to see some youngsters in the squad who performed well in domestic cricket and have gotten the opportunity to be part of the test squad for this test match.” He further added that ACB is delighted to be embarking on its maiden bilateral event with New Zealand which is a quality side in test cricket and looks forward to a competitive event between black caps and Afghan Atalan.”

It is worth mentioning that before the 9th edition of Shpageeza Cricket League, these players attended a full package preparation camp in Nangarhar province too that carry similar condition to India.”


ACB
 
"Good Place To Swim": Afghanistan Captain's Dig At Noida Sports Complex Ahead Of New Zealand Test

The Afghanistan cricket team is all set to play a one-off Test against New Zealand from September 9-13 in Greater Noida. The Afghan side started their one-week preparatory camp at the Noida Sports Complex, but according to a report by The Indian Express, the start of their practice was far from ideal. Heavy rain in the Delhi NCR on Thursday meant that the Afghans had a hard time in training properly.

The report said that the practice pitch was flooded and the ground staff used two table fans to dry the ground. The report further mentioned that there are no super-soppers or covers to protect the 30-yard circle. In fact, Afghanistan bowling coach Hamid Hasan had trouble finding a 10-yard spot with less dampness.

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi took a sly dig at the facilities. "Boys, we should have brought our swim gear. No way we are going to play here. Good place to swim," Shahidi was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

The captain then told the officials and said in Hindi: “Sir hum logo ko aadat hai, but New Zealand waalon ko kya jawaab doge (We have trained in much poorer conditions, but what would you say to the New Zealand team management.”

Meanwhile, Afghanistan cricket's poster boy Rashid Khan will not play the Test format in the near future to nurse his back after having undergone a surgery last year. A source in the Afghanistan Cricket Board told PTI that Rashid and the team management had decided mutually on his break from the longest format considering his back issues.

Earlier this week, he was not named in the preliminary squad for the one-off Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida on September 9.

Rashid was out of action for four months after undergoing back surgery following the ODI World Cup in India in October-November. He was part of the more recent T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean where he captained Afghanistan to the semifinals.

The 25-year-old recently played three games in as many days in the Shpageeza T20 league in Kabul, taking six wickets in total.

"The plan for Rashid after the surgery was to gradually increase his workload. Not playing the longer format for the next six months to one year was also part of the plan.

"In Tests, he would be required to keep bowling from one end and his back is not ready for that kind of workload. He should be available for the ODI series against South Africa next month," the source said.

Rashid has played five Tests, 103 ODIs, and 93 T20Is for Afghanistan, who hardly get to play the five-day game against top teams like New Zealand.

NDTV
 
Herath and Rathour join BLACKCAPS in Noida

The BLACKCAPS have called on some local Indian knowledge as well as a Sri Lankan great with 433 Test wickets, as they prepare for Monday’s one-off Test against Afghanistan in Noida, near Delhi.

Sri Lankan spin maestro Rangana Herath has been appointed as spin-bowling coach for the three upcoming Tests in Asia, replacing former Pakistan spinner and coach Saqlain Mushtaq who was originally announced to fill the temporary role before pulling out to take up a position with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Herath, the most prolific left-arm orthodox Test spinner of all time, will stay on with the side through to the two ICC World Test Championship matches in his homeland of Sri Lanka later this month.

Former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour has joined the BLACKCAPS for the one-off Test in Noida.

Rathour played six Tests for India in the late 90s before becoming a selector of the national side in 2012 and most recently led the formidable Indian batting unit under head coach Rahul David.

BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead said Herath and Rathore would not only bring new knowledge to the group but also insights into the local conditions.

“We’re really excited to introduce Rangana and Vikram into our Test group,” he said.

“Both men are held in high regard in the world of cricket and I know our players are really looking forward to the opportunity to learn from them.

“For our three left-arm orthodox spinners in particular, Ajaz, Mitch and Rachin, having the chance to work with Rangana across three Tests on the sub-continent will be hugely beneficial.

“Rangana has taken over 100 Test wickets in Galle which is the venue of our two Tests against Sri Lanka and so his knowledge of that venue will be priceless.”

The one-off Test against Afghanistan starts in Noida on Monday and will be live in New Zealand on Sky Sport.
 
Afghanistan didn't select Rashid Khan for Test. Why not?

Also, the squad seems to have many new names.

NZ are favorites.
 
The test match is from Monday onwards. How do anyone go and watch the game? This team should have started yesterday.
 
Afghanistan has pretty good support in India. Rashid khan has become a household name here. Probably the most liked Asian side in India.
 
Kane Williamson said during a media interaction ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida:

"I mean, we are absolutely going to be challenged in a number of ways. But, the opportunity to have a block here for us as a team to look have the sort of experiences that we are going to have for the next sort of two-and-a-half months and be better for it. It’s an exciting opportunity. Nice to be here, preparing for the first Test. We are looking to take those small steps and try and get familiar with those conditions."

"In some ways, it’s like a tournament sport, even though it’s over a long period of time in the Test championship. Naturally, having six Test matches together is a big part of our calendar. It’s one that we are very excited about."
 
I don't understand why more teams don't play Afghanistan in Tests in India before they play a series against us. It's a win-win for both sides and is much better than those useless practise sessions and games against local domestic sides.

Same goes for Ireland when teams play England.
 
Boards should play 1 off Tests. Especially weaker boards that make huge losses playing this format.
 
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said while addressing the media ahead of the New Zealand Test:

“India is our home and when we host teams, the other nations have played more cricket than us here.”

“So hopefully we will get one good venue here in India and we stick with that. If we stick with one venue, it will be more effective for us.”

“And one more thing, if you see our players, they have a good record in first-class cricket because we play in our own grounds [in Afghanistan]. We know our own conditions very well. So hopefully the time comes in future that teams come to Afghanistan.”

“Hopefully, our cricket board and BCCI give us a good venue in India and we play a lot of cricket at one venue.”

“In six years, nine games is not, I cannot say it’s a lot.”

“If we get a lot more chances with the good teams, we will improve, and our cricket board is doing that job.”

” I think if we get more chances on a regular basis, we will improve a lot because if we see as a team and as a country, we are brave people and we always accept challenges.”
 
Tim Southee said on the eve of New Zealand's one-off Test against Afghanistan:

"Conditions are foreign to what we are used to but we are excited about the chance of playing six Test matches on the bounce here in the subcontinent."

"It's exciting to play cricket in India, of course the weather has been the biggest challenge since we have been here and for the last few days."

"It is a tough....obviously six Test matches in this part of the world and we would like to think spin plays majority of the part as a bowling unit and we got four quality pace bowlers which we have at our disposal as well."

"So it's about working out what balance is right. (We'll) take each match as it comes and that we know it's a busy little period for us where we may have to work through our workloads."

"For us as a side to play nine Test matches in a short space of time is exciting and something we don't usually get."

"Afghanistan has been an improving side for a number of years and anytime you come up against them, you know you are in for a fight, especially in these conditions. We saw in the T20 World Cup how dangerous a side they can be."

"They have gotten a lot of confidence from the success that they had not only in the T20 World Cup but the one-day World Cup last year in India and they are still new to the Test format, but I am sure this is a format they will want to keep growing as well, like they have done in the other two formats."
 
I fail to understand why they didn’t schedule this test match in the weekend. It would have helped get much better crowd. I wanted to attend the match but it’s going to be tough now. I am preserving my holidays.
 
Play has been called off for Day 1 of the one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand due to wet outfield

It appears that the ground was not completely covered during a week of unrelenting rains, which caused some parts of the outfield to be waterlogged.

This sport never helps itself, does it?
 
Badi Meherbaani test is not played in that exhalted glorified Car park of a stadium called Ferozsha kotla just few kms away in Delhi thus sparing us the sight of the pan masala advt plastered stands.
 
Update

Afghanistan vs New Zealand Only Test match, Day 2:

The toss has been delayed due to a wet outfield.

What an unfortunate thing this is for Afghans. Playing a red-ball game for like eternity and it is getting delayed due to poor ground conditions.

Maybe they should have kept the UAE as their home.
 
The latest inspection has unfortunately yielded no positive results, and another inspection is scheduled for 15:00 local time.

Given that the players have not yet arrived at the ground and are still at the hotel, the groundstaff have 3 hours to complete their work before the next inspection.

It appears that Day 2 is currently following a similar trajectory to Day 1, with no improvement in the conditions.
 
This is shambolic. This ground should be banned. BCCI banned this ground for different reasons. They have more than one reason to ban this.
 
This game is heading toward a draw.

On the bright side, Afghanistan is looking good to get their first draw in Test. It should improve their ranking points.
 
Update:

Play has been abandoned for Day 3 due to rain.

SO it will be a complete washout on day 4 and 5 as well due to wet outfield now, I THINK. LOL
 
Update:

Day 4 has been abandoned as well due to persistent rain.

So unfortunate for Afghans that they were playing a red ball game after months and month and it got washed away by rain.
 
Update:

It is still raining in Greater Noida and due to frequent rains, the 5th and final day of Afghanistan vs New Zealand test has been also called off by the match officials.
 
Test matches abandoned without a ball bowled:

England vs Australia, Old Trafford, 1890
England vs Australia, Old Trafford, 1938
Australia vs England, Melbourne Cricket Ground, 1970
New Zealand vs Pakistan, Dunedin, 1989
West Indies vs England, Bourda, 1990
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, Faisalabad, 1998
New Zealand vs India, Dunedin, 1998
Afghanistan vs New Zealand, Greater Noida, 2024 (today)
 
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