NZ vs AFG: Big Challenge for Afghanistan without Rashid Khan
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi believes that his team is capable of competing with the top cricketing nations, but need more Test match experience. Ahead of their solitary Test against New Zealand starting Monday, Shahidi hinted that gaining experience in this format is of paramount importance.
“We’re still new to Test cricket and need more time to get better,” Shahidi said in a news conference at their home ground near New Delhi, India. There have been improvements since they made their debut in 2018, when they were thrashed by India, including a fine victory over New Zealand in this year’s T20 World Cup. But with just three victories from nine Tests played, Shahidi feels there is improvement in his side.
We are fearless and we take risks. Given more opportunities, we can prove that we are among the best,” he added.
Afghanistan will also be without the services of their star legspinner Rashid Khan, who is recuperating from a back injury. Shahidi said it won’t be easy without him, but he felt proud of the young talent in the team, such as 23-year-old spinner Shams Ur Rahman. “This is an opportunity for the younger ones to make a name for themselves,” he said.
New Zealand Prepares for NZ vs AFG and Subcontinental Tour
New Zealand, under Tim Southee, gear up for an intense tour of South Asia, starting with the NZ vs AFG Test match. This Test will not count in the World Test Championship, but the following five matches in Sri Lanka and India will. Southee said that spin will be very important in the series because of the conditions of the pitch throughout the subcontinent.
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“We have several good spinners, and they will be important in the matches here,” said Southee. Though there were some problems with the weather during practice, the New Zealand team is excited to play in these conditions and knows that Afghanistan’s cricket skills are improving. “Afghanistan is a much-improved side, and every game against them is tough,” Southee pointed out as the challenge they are expecting in the match NZ vs AFG.