Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran doubtful for NZ one-off Test: Here's why
In a major blow to the Afghanistan cricket team, star opener Ibrahim Zadran has suffered an ankle injury ahead of their one-off Test match against New Zealand, starting September 9. The 22-year-old player's participation in the upcoming match is now uncertain. This development was confirmed by Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi during the pre-match press conference. "Today, in the practice session, Ibrahim had an injury in his ankle," Shahidi stated.
A solid opener in Zadran
As mentioned, Zadran suffered the ankle injury during the pre-match practice session. It is worth noting that the opening batter has featured in seven of Afghanistan's seven Tests so far. He has scored 541 runs at an average of 38.64 in these games. His tally includes a ton and four half-centuries. Notably, Zadran scored a fifty in his last Test appearance, in February this year.
Zadran's injury adds to Afghanistan's woes
Zadran's injury is a significant blow for Afghanistan, who are already without marquee spinner Rashid Khan for the historic match. Khan has been advised by his doctors to refrain from participating in Tests following his back surgery last year. Additionally, seamer Naveed Zadran will also miss the one-off Test due to a side strain injury. The 19-year-old has been advised rest of nearly four weeks with hopes of recovery before the ODI series against South Africa.
