Afghanistan’s upcoming Test match against New Zealand has been dealt a significant blow with the unavailability of their star leg-spinner and captain, Rashid Khan.
Medical advice has ruled out Rashid from participating in the one-off Test, which is scheduled to take place from September 9 to 13 at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground.
Rashid Khan has been a pivotal figure in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket, particularly in the shorter formats of the game. However, his absence in the longer format is expected to continue as he recovers from lower back surgery.
The surgery, which followed the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, has kept him out of action in Test matches. Although Rashid made a successful return during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, the extended recovery time for his lower back means he will be unavailable for Test cricket until November.
This news is undoubtedly a setback for Afghanistan as they prepare to face a strong New Zealand side. Rashid’s experience and skill have been crucial in Afghanistan’s cricketing success, and his absence will be felt deeply by the team.
Despite this, Afghanistan will field a squad led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, who has shown promise in the Test arena. Alongside Shahidi, players like Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, and Abdul Malik will be key to Afghanistan’s performance, as they have been instrumental in the team’s recent successes.
The match against New Zealand presents an exciting opportunity for Afghanistan to prove their mettle in Test cricket. Although Rashid Khan’s absence is a major blow, the match is expected to be a competitive contest between two teams that have made significant strides in international cricket over the past few years.
For Afghanistan, this Test match is more than just a game; it is a chance to gain valuable experience and continue their journey toward becoming a formidable force in the longer format of the game.
Afghanistan’s aspirations in Test cricket are still alive, even without their star player. The upcoming match will be a test of their resilience and adaptability, providing the team with a platform to showcase their potential and growth in the world of cricket.
