Afghanistan fast bowler Naveed Zadran has been ruled out of the Test match against New Zealand. His unavailability is a blow to Afghanistan, who are already without Rashid Khan, who had been ruled out of this Test match.
Naveed Zadran has played two Test matches in his career so far and has picked up 9 wickets at an average of 22.55. He made his debut in a Test match against Ireland in March this year where he impressed with his wicket-taking ability. He also picked up four wickets in his last Test match against Sri Lanka.
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Naveed Zadran to miss Test match against New Zealand
Naveed Zadran has suffered a side injury and has been asked to rest for 3-4 weeks. He may return in Afghanistan’s ODI series against South Africa to be played in the UAE.
Naveed’s injury was confirmed by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on September 6 (Friday).
“Fast bowler Naveed Zadran has been ruled out of Afghanistan’s only Test match against New Zealand due to a side injury. The physiotherapist has advised him to rest for 3-4 weeks in the hope that he will get better before South Africa’s ODI series in the UAE. Get well soon Naveed!” the ACB posted on X (formerly Twitter).
🚨Update🚨
Fast bowler Naveed Zadran has been ruled out of Afghanistan’s only Test match against New Zealand due to a side injury.
The physiotherapist has advised him to rest for 3-4 weeks in the hope that he will get better before South Africa’s ODI series in the UAE.
Get well soon Naveed! image.twitter.com/0n2YlfGd5p
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 6, 2024
Naveed Zadran has also played one ODI for Afghanistan in which he did not pick up any wicket. The 19-year-old is a product of the Afghanistan Under-19 cricket team. He relies on good line and length and also bowls with good pace.
Earlier, Rashid Khan had also been ruled out of the Test match due to a back injury. With Naveed unavailable, his bowling resources have been severely affected. It will be interesting to see which bowlers they prefer for this Test match.
Greater Noida to host AFG vs NZ test match
The Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand will be played in Greater Noida, India. The Test match will be played from September 9 to 13 at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground. The New Zealand team has already arrived in the city and received a warm reception upon their arrival.
Due to security reasons, the Afghans have not been able to play any international matches in their home country so far. As a result, they play their home games in the United Arab Emirates or India. However, that is about to change very soon as they have already announced that they will play the series for the first time on home soil against New Zealand and South Africa.
