AFG vs WI | Hamza Hotak, Nijat Masood earn maiden Test call-up for one-off game
Seasoned spinner Hamza Hotak and rookie pacer Nijat Masood have been named in Afghanistan’s squad for the upcoming one-off Test match against West Indies and are likely to make their debuts. The game is scheduled to be held at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, starting from November 27.
After a cracker of a limited-overs contest, including a three-match ODI series and same number of T20Is, Afghanistan and West Indies will play a one-off Test at the same venue in Lucknow. Afghanistan, who made their Test debut against India last year, have emerged victorious against Bangladesh and Ireland in its previous Test outings.
One of the newer additions to Test cricket, Afghanistan have selected two new bowlers for their upcoming outing. Both Hamza Hotak and Nijat Massod have been consistent performers in the limited-overs setup. While Hamza has played 31 ODIs and as many T20Is for Afghanistan, Nijat got his maiden international call-up.
While the bowling department will be spearheaded by captain Rashid Khan, Hamza - who took eight wickets in the tour game against the West Indians - will also be a good addition.
After having lost the ODI series by a margin of 3-0 to West Indies, Afghanistan bounced back to seal the T20I series by 2-0.
Here’s the Afghan squad for the one-off Test:
Rashid Khan (captain), Asghar Afghan, Ihsanullah Janat, Ibrahim Zadran, Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Karim Janat, Qais Ahmed, Ikram Alikhiel (wicketkeeper), Afsar Zazai, Nasir Jamal, Zahir Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, Hamza Hotak, Nijat Masood.