AFG vs NZ One-off Test: Ibrahim Zadran Ruled Out Due to Ankle Injury

Hours before the start of the only Test against New Zealand, Afghanistan were dealt a massive blow as Ibrahim Zadran was ruled out owing to an injury. The star batter hurt his ankle during the team’s final practice session at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium in Greater Noida.

As stated by the Afghanistan Cricket Board, Zadran will not feature in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa as well.

“Afghanistan’s prolific top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran has been ruled out of the upcoming one-off Test against New Zealand and the three-match ODI series against South Africa due to an ankle sprain in his left leg,” ACB’s statement read.

“The ACB wishes him a speedy recovery and looks forward to his return to the field soon,” it added.

Earlier in the day, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi informed the press about Zadran’s injury. The hosts had their final practice session on Sunday morning before rain showed, marring New Zealand’s training schedule.

“Today, in the practice session, Ibrahim had an injury in his ankle. But it’s not sure 100 per cent what will happen tomorrow. We will see what will happen with him,” Shahidi informed at the pre-match press conference.

Zadran has played seven of Afghanistan’s nine Tests. He had scored his maiden century in the format earlier this year in February against Sri Lanka.

(More to follow…)