While Afghanistan just completed their close T20I series victory against the hosts Zimbabwe, they are now ready for the ODI series. Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced the Test squad for the upcoming Test series against the hosts Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe are set to host a two-match Test series against Afghanistan. While the Test series opener has been set for Boxing Day, the second Test will be the New Year Test. Queens Sports Club (Bulawayo) will host both the Test matches. 

Afghanistan lost both Tests in 2024

Afghanistan have played two Tests this year, where they suffered defeats against the hosts Sri Lanka and against Ireland in Abu Dhabi. They also had another Test scheduled against New Zealand at Greater Noida, which was completely washed out without a toss. Out of their nine overall Tests, Afghanistan won three games and lost six Tests. 

In March 2021, Afghanistan hosted two Tests against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi. After losing the first Test by 10 wickets, the Afghans beat the Chevrons by six wickets in the next Test.

Seven uncapped players in the Afghanistan Test squad

The ACB has announced an 18-member full squad for the upcoming away Test series against Zimbabwe. Seven uncapped players have been named in this squad. 

Allrounder Ismat Alam, left-arm spinner Zahir Shehzad, and left-arm quick Bashir Ahmad Afghana are the fresh names in the Afghanistan national team squad. Meanwhile, the other four uncapped Test players are Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Riaz Hassan, and Sediqullah Atal, who have white-ball experiences for the national team. 

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah achieves new Test milestone after a six-fer in Brisbane

Rashid Khan last played a Test in March 2021

Rashid Khan, who has played five Tests, is returning to the longer format after more than three years. He last played a Test match in March 2021 when they beat Zimbabwe for the first time. 

Afghanistan's complete Test squad for Zimbabwe tour

Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Rahmat Shah (vice-captain), Ikram Alikhail (wk), Afsar Zazai (wk), Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Baheer Shah Mahboob, Ismat Alam, Azmatullah Omarzai, Zahir Khan, Zia Ur Rehman Akbar, Zahir Shehzad, Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad Afghan, Naveed Zadran, and Fareed Ahmad Malik