AFG Vs NZ 2024, Only Test: Broadcast, Live Streaming Details – When And Where To Watch In India, USA & Other Countries

Cricket fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting a historic encounter as Afghanistan prepares to face New Zealand in a one-off Test match, set to take place from September 9 to 13, 2024, at the Shahid Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida. This match marks the first time these two nations will face each other in the longest format of the game, and both teams are hungry to make a significant impact. The clash promises to be a thrilling contest, with each side bringing a mix of experience, talent, and the desire to dominate on the international stage.

This Test is not only significant for the two teams but also holds importance in the larger context of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. New Zealand, who are in the race for a spot in the WTC Final 2025, will be looking to secure a win to boost their standing, while Afghanistan aims to prove their growing credentials in Test cricket. With plenty at stake, the upcoming match is poised to be an exciting chapter in cricketing history.

Match Details and Venue: Greater Noida Ready to Host a Cricketing Spectacle

The Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test match will kick off daily at 10 am IST, providing fans ample opportunity to witness every moment of the action. The venue for this historic encounter, the Shahid Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida, has previously served as Afghanistan’s adopted home ground. This familiarity with the conditions may give Afghanistan a slight edge over their opponents, especially when it comes to adapting to the pitch and weather conditions.

Greater Noida has seen Afghanistan play several important matches in the past, and the team will be banking on their experience at this ground to put up a strong fight against New Zealand. The pitch is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball, with spinners likely to play a key role as the match progresses. For Afghanistan, leveraging the conditions could be crucial to challenging a more experienced New Zealand side.

Afghanistan Team News: New Challenges and Rising Stars

Afghanistan enters this Test with high hopes, despite some notable absences in their squad. Led by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, the Afghan team boasts promising talents like Rahmat Shah, Ibrahim Zadran, and Azmatullah Omarzai, all of whom will play pivotal roles in the batting lineup. Afghanistan’s batting will be under the spotlight, as they face the formidable challenge of countering New Zealand’s experienced bowling attack.

One of the biggest blows to Afghanistan’s chances is the absence of their star all-rounder Rashid Khan. Rashid, who has been a key figure in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket, is sidelined for a year following back surgery. His absence leaves a significant void, particularly in the bowling department, where his spin wizardry has often troubled top international batters. Without Rashid, Afghanistan’s bowlers will need to step up, with Zahir Khan, Qais Ahmad, and Fareed Malik expected to lead the attack.

Despite the setback, Afghanistan has a pool of young and talented players eager to prove their mettle on the big stage. This match presents an opportunity for these players to step out of Rashid’s shadow and establish themselves as key contributors to Afghanistan’s future in Test cricket.

New Zealand Team News: A Strong Squad Aiming for Dominance

New Zealand, captained by Tim Southee, arrives in Greater Noida with a strong and balanced squad, making them the favorites in this encounter. The Kiwis have built a formidable team over the years, with experienced players like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Daryl Mitchell forming the backbone of their batting lineup. Williamson, in particular, will be a key figure, as his ability to anchor innings and guide his team through challenging situations makes him one of the top batsmen in the world.

New Zealand’s bowling attack is also a force to be reckoned with, featuring a mix of pace and spin. Tim Southee will lead the pace attack, supported by Matt Henry and Ben Sears, who have both impressed in recent outings. However, recognizing the spin-friendly conditions in Greater Noida, New Zealand has included several spin options in their squad, including Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra. This strategic move will be critical in countering Afghanistan’s batting lineup, especially as the pitch begins to turn.

New Zealand’s strong squad depth and experience in Test cricket make them the favorites to win this one-off match. However, they will need to stay cautious and respect the unpredictability of Afghanistan, who have the potential to spring a surprise if they capitalize on their strengths.

The Significance of the Test: World Test Championship Stakes

This one-off Test match is more than just a bilateral contest between Afghanistan and New Zealand—it carries significant weight in the larger context of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. New Zealand, the inaugural WTC champions, are vying for a spot in the WTC Final 2025, and a victory in Greater Noida would be a crucial step toward achieving that goal. Every point matters in the WTC, and the Kiwis will be determined to secure maximum points from this encounter.

For Afghanistan, this Test is an opportunity to make a mark in the WTC and continue their journey of growth in Test cricket. Although they are not currently in contention for a WTC Final spot, every match is a chance to gain experience and improve their standing in world cricket. A strong performance against a team like New Zealand would send a message to the cricketing world that Afghanistan is a force to be reckoned with in the Test arena.

Broadcast and Live Streaming: How to Watch the Match

Fans around the world will be eager to follow every moment of this historic Test match. In India, the match will be broadcast on Eurosport, while FanCode will provide live streaming options. In Pakistan, cricket enthusiasts can tune in via Tapmad to catch the action. Meanwhile, fans in the USA and Canada can watch the match live on Sling TV’s Willow HD and Willow Xtra channels. In New Zealand, Sky Sport NZ will provide comprehensive coverage of the match, ensuring that Kiwi fans can cheer on their team from home.

With such widespread coverage, fans from different regions will have no trouble accessing the match and following the thrilling contest between Afghanistan and New Zealand. The availability of multiple streaming platforms also ensures that viewers can watch the match on the go, keeping them connected to the action no matter where they are.

A Battle of Talent and Strategy: What to Expect from the Match

As Afghanistan and New Zealand prepare to face off in Greater Noida, the stage is set for a fascinating battle of talent, strategy, and determination. For Afghanistan, the key to success will be how well they can adapt to the demands of Test cricket and handle the pressure of facing a more experienced opponent. Their spinners will need to play a crucial role, especially as the pitch begins to wear down, and their batsmen must find ways to counter New Zealand’s potent bowling attack.

On the other hand, New Zealand will rely on their experience and depth to outplay Afghanistan in all departments. Their strong batting lineup, led by Kane Williamson and Devon Conway, will look to set big totals, while their bowlers will aim to exploit any weaknesses in Afghanistan’s batting. The strategic inclusion of spinners in their squad could prove to be the difference-maker, especially in the latter stages of the match.

Overall, this one-off Test promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams eager to prove their worth on the international stage. While New Zealand may be the favorites, Afghanistan’s unpredictability and hunger for success make them a dangerous opponent. Fans can expect five days of high-quality cricket, filled with twists, turns, and moments of brilliance that could define the outcome of the match.

A Historic Test Awaits

The Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test match in Greater Noida is not just another game—it is a historic moment for both nations. As Afghanistan continues to establish itself in the world of Test cricket, this match against one of the top teams in the world represents a major milestone in their journey. For New Zealand, it is another step toward solidifying their position in the World Test Championship and securing their place in the 2025 Final.

With both teams bringing their best to the field, cricket fans around the world are in for a treat. Whether it’s Afghanistan’s emerging talent or New Zealand’s seasoned campaigners, the battle on the pitch will be one to remember.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/