AFG Vs NZ: Over 10,000 Fans Expected to Witness Historic Afghanistan Vs New Zealand One-Off Test in Greater Noida

Noida is set to make history as the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground prepares to host its first-ever Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand. This exciting event is a significant milestone for sports fans in the city, as it will be the first international five-day game to be played in Greater Noida. Anticipation is running high, with over 10,000 enthusiastic cricket fans expected to flock to the stadium to witness this historic match. The Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground has already gained recognition as a venue for international cricket, having hosted 11 international games – including 5 ODIs and 6 T20Is – with Afghanistan as the home team. This upcoming Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand is sure to further solidify the ground's reputation as a premier cricket destination.

The match promises to be an exciting display of top-tier cricket and will be supported by Play Sports, India’s leading sporting talent development enterprise. With the intention of encouraging physical fitness and good sportsmanship, it is presently working on Phase One’s talent development initiative in Rajasthan to inspire the next generation of athletes for Prime Minister’s Olympic Vision of 2036.

Ahead of the game, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi stated how the whole team is looking forward to play the game. “It is an honour to play in Noida and be part of such a historic moment for the city. We look forward to our days in the city with a lot of love from cricket fans who we know are here in plenty,” Shahidi said.

“We have practiced here in the past and it is a privilege playing in the city again in front of these stands. Indian fans are someone we really look forward to seeing and we hope they will show up in force. This match presents a wonderful opportunity for us to bring pride and glory to our nation, and we look forward to doing so in front of such passionate fans,” he added.

Meanwhile, three uncapped players – opener Riaz Hassan, all-rounder Shamsurrahman and pacer Khalil Ahmed – have been included in Afghanistan’s final 16-member squad. Star all-rounder Rashid Khan is not in the squad as he is recovering from an injury. Zahir Khan and Zia-ur-Rehman will lead Afghanistan’s spin attack in Rashid’s absence.

Gulbadin Naib, Fareed Ahmad and Yama Arab, who were a part of the preliminary squad announced last month, have been omitted, while pacer Naveed Zadran is also missing due to a side strain.

AFG vs NZ Squads

Afghanistan: 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.

New Zealand: 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.