New Zealand will face Afghanistan for the first time in the longer format of the game from September 9. Afghanistan will host the One-Off in Greater Noida, India. Given the Asian team’s incredible progress in the other two formats in recent years, the Black Caps are not going to take them lightly.
Although the venue is hosting its first Test match, the Indian pitches are known to favour spinners more. Kiwis will rely on Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner. They also have a strong batting line-up to deal with the Afghan spin threat.
Here are top 3 New Zealand players who are likely to perform well against Afghanistan
3. Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson is one of the most experienced campaigners on both sides. The former New Zealand captain needs just 72 runs in the upcoming match to become the highest run-scorer for his country in international cricket. One of the members of the ‘Fab 4’, Williamson has scored over 1100 runs in his last 10 Test matches.
2. Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell is one of the most reliable batters in the New Zealand middle-order. The all-rounder boasts a staggering average of 50.25 after playing 23 Test matches. Mitchell has so far amassed five centuries and 10 half-centuries to pile up 1608 runs. He is expected to play a crucial role against the Afghanistan spin attack.
1. Ajaz Patel
Ajaz Patel is likely to pose a big threat to Afghanistan batters in Indian conditions. The left-arm spinner has played 16 Tests so far and has taken 62 wickets at an average of 29.76. In this short span of time, the Kiwi spinner has managed to write his name in the history books with a rare feat. He became only the third bowler in history to take 10 wickets in an innings – a record achieved against India in the 2021 series.
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