AFG Vs NZ 2024, Only Test: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report

Afghanistan is set to take on New Zealand in their highly anticipated one-off Test match, starting on September 9, 2024, at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground. This match marks an important moment for Afghanistan as they continue to build their Test cricket credentials against a well-established New Zealand side. Despite New Zealand being the clear favorites, Afghanistan’s young and dynamic squad holds the potential for an upset, especially if the conditions work in their favor.

New Zealand enters the match with a strong lineup filled with experienced players who have performed on the biggest stages. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will rely on their mix of emerging talents and established stars to pose a challenge to the Black Caps. The match promises to be an intriguing contest of skills, with both teams eager to make a mark in the Test arena.

Afghanistan’s Bowling: A Revamped Attack with High Hopes

Afghanistan’s bowling attack for this Test match has undergone significant changes, with a focus on both youth and experience. Zahir Khan, Fareed Malik, and Nijat Masood will lead the charge in the absence of some of their more familiar faces. These bowlers will need to be at their very best to contain New Zealand’s formidable batting lineup, which features the likes of Kane Williamson and Tom Latham.

Zahir Khan, with his left-arm wrist spin, will be a key player on a pitch that is expected to offer turn and bounce. Fareed Malik and Nijat Masood will shoulder the pace responsibilities, with their ability to generate movement and extract bounce from the surface likely to be crucial. Afghanistan’s bowlers have shown promise in limited-overs cricket, but this Test will test their stamina, discipline, and adaptability over five days.

Batting Hopes Rest on Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, and Zadran

Afghanistan’s batting lineup will look to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, and Ibrahim Zadran to provide stability and runs against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack. Shahidi, who captains the side, will need to lead by example with the bat, while Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran must anchor the innings and play long, patient knocks.

Afghanistan’s batting unit has struggled with consistency in the longer format, and they will need to show considerable improvement against a high-quality bowling attack led by Tim Southee and Matt Henry. If Afghanistan is to pose any serious threat to New Zealand, it will be crucial for their top order to build partnerships and bat deep into the innings. With the likes of Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi capable of playing gritty innings, Afghanistan will hope that they can withstand the early pressure and put runs on the board.

New Zealand’s Experience vs Afghanistan’s Potential

New Zealand’s squad is packed with experience and talent, making them the favorites going into the match. Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, and Daryl Mitchell form the backbone of their batting lineup, all of whom are well-versed in handling varied conditions around the world. The Kiwis will rely on their experienced players to weather any early storms and build a solid platform for a big total.

Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra offer valuable all-round options, adding depth to the batting and providing spin options in the bowling department. The Black Caps’ pace attack, led by captain Tim Southee, is one of the most potent in the world. Their combination of swing, seam, and pace will test Afghanistan’s batsmen, especially on a pitch that may offer assistance to the fast bowlers early on.

However, Afghanistan’s potential to pull off an upset cannot be underestimated. They have a fearless approach and have shown glimpses of brilliance in Test cricket. If they can get on top of New Zealand’s bowlers and capitalize on any favorable conditions, an upset could be on the cards.

Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground: A Balanced Pitch Awaits

The Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground is expected to offer a balanced pitch, making for a competitive contest between bat and ball. Batsmen who apply themselves will find that they can score freely with good shot placement, while bowlers, especially spinners, can expect significant turn and bounce as the match progresses.

The conditions at Greater Noida will likely favor spinners on the later days, which could play into Afghanistan’s hands, given their spin-heavy bowling attack. However, New Zealand’s seasoned batsmen are well-equipped to handle such conditions, having faced challenging pitches in the subcontinent before. The balance of the pitch makes it an intriguing contest, with both teams having equal opportunities to make their mark.

Dream11 Prediction Picks: Key Players to Watch

For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, the AFG vs NZ Dream11 Prediction offers some exciting picks. Devon Conway and Kane Williamson are likely to be key contributors with the bat for New Zealand, while Ibrahim Zadran and Hashmatullah Shahidi will be Afghanistan’s top batting picks. In the all-rounder category, Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra from New Zealand offer great value, given their dual skills with bat and ball.

Among the bowlers, Tim Southee and Matt Henry will spearhead New Zealand’s attack, while Zahir Khan and Fareed Malik will be Afghanistan’s main threats with the ball. The Dream11 prediction captaincy options are led by Rachin Ravindra, with Kane Williamson as a strong vice-captain choice. Alternatively, Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner can be considered as captain and vice-captain for a more balanced team.

The Road Ahead: Can Afghanistan Pull Off an Upset?

While New Zealand enters the match as clear favorites, Afghanistan has the potential to surprise their more experienced opponents. The key for Afghanistan will be to capitalize on any favorable conditions, especially if the pitch starts to assist their spinners. A strong performance from their top order will be essential, and their bowlers will need to maintain discipline and patience against New Zealand’s solid batting lineup.

For New Zealand, this Test is an opportunity to assert their dominance and fine-tune their game ahead of more challenging series. With a balanced squad and a wealth of experience, they will be confident of overcoming Afghanistan’s challenge. However, as Test cricket often shows, anything is possible over the course of five days, and Afghanistan will be eager to make their mark on this one-off Test match.

The one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand promises to be an engaging contest that will test both teams’ skills and strategies. With a balanced pitch and a mix of experienced stars and emerging talents on both sides, fans can expect a competitive and entertaining game of cricket.

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