Afghanistan unveil jersey for one-off Test against New Zealand

The Afghanistan Cricket Board unveiled the jersey for the only Test against New Zealand, scheduled to commence on September 9 in Greater Noida.

The ACB posted pictures of Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, Ibrahim Zadran, and Gulbadin Naib clad in the freshly-launched whites. "Here is the AfghanAtalan playing jersey for the only test against New Zealand," the post read.

Jersey Unveiled 👌

Headshots:
Here is the AfghanAtalan playing jersey for the only test against New Zealand.#AfgvsNZ | #AfghanAtalan#GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/8mWUsypBGx

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 6, 2024

The extension of the V-neck collar and sleeves is in aegean blue while the top corners of the jersey are embossed with the crest of ACB, respectively.

For the unversed, the term "Afghan Atalan" in the caption of the post is an expression in Pashto which corresponds to "Afghan Heroes". It is quite commonly used to refer to Afghan athletes or teams, particularly the Afghanistan national cricket team, underscoring the fortitude and valour they are known for.

Also Read: Vikram Rathour joins New Zealand for one-off Test against Afghanistan, Rangana Herath appointed as spin bowling coach

Interestingly, the previous Test Afghanistan took part in was also a one-off affair, against Ireland. The Afghans were comprehensively defeated three days by six wickets.

New Zealand are currently on the fifth position in the International Cricket Council's Men's Test Rankings having played 22 games as opposed to Afghanistan rock-bottom on 12th place having played just three games themselves. 

Afghanistan Squad for one-off Test against New Zealand:

Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Afsar Zazai, Ikram Alikhil, Baheer Shah Mahboob, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Shams Ur Rahman, Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Qais Ahmad, Khalil Ahmad, Nijat Masood