Cricket

Afghanistan has announced its 16-member squad for the upcoming one-off Test against New Zealand, scheduled to commence on March 9 in Greater Noida. The squad features three uncapped players: opening batter Riaz Hassan, offspin allrounder Shamsurrahman, and pacer Khalil Ahmed.In the absence of injured star spinner Rashid Khan, Zahir Khan and Zia-ur-Rehman will spearhead the spin attack. Fast bowler Naveed Zadran, who impressed with a five-wicket haul in the Test against Ireland, has been ruled out due to a side strain.The squad was finalized after a ten-day preparation camp in Greater Noida, where 19 players participated. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and the coaching staff consulted to select the final 16.Ikram Alikhil and Afsar Zazai will compete for the wicketkeeper's role. The squad also includes experienced players like Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, and Abdul Malik.Afghanistan will be eager to make a strong impression against New Zealand, who are ranked sixth in the ICC Test rankings. The match will be a crucial test for the Afghan team, which is aiming to improve its standing in the Test arena.