<p>New Delhi: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/new-zealand">New Zealand</a> arrived here on Thursday ahead of their one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to be played in Greater Noida from September 9.</p>.<p>The one-off Test, the first red-ball fixture between the two nations, will be held at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground.</p>.<p>The BlackCaps have named a strong side for the Test against Afghanistan.</p>.Pakistan drop to 8th in Test rankings following loss to Bangladesh.<p>Veteran pacer Tim Southee will lead the team which includes the likes of former skipper Kane Williamson, who opted out of a central contract earlier this year, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra, while Tom Latham continues to be the vice-captain.</p>.<p>The BlackCaps have included five spin bowling options in Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel and part-timers Phillips and Ravindra for the Test. They will hold their first practice session on Friday.</p>.<p>The Test against Afghanistan will serve as a preparation for a two-match series against Sri Lanka, which is part of the World Test Championship.</p>.<p>After the tour of Sri Lanka, New Zealand will return to India as they take on Rohit Sharma and his men in a three-match Test series, also a part of the WTC calendar.</p>.<p>The three games will be played in Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai in October and November.</p>.<p>New Zealand currently occupy the third spot in the ICC WTC points table behind last edition's finalists, India and Australia. </p>
<p>New Delhi: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/new-zealand">New Zealand</a> arrived here on Thursday ahead of their one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to be played in Greater Noida from September 9.</p>.<p>The one-off Test, the first red-ball fixture between the two nations, will be held at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground.</p>.<p>The BlackCaps have named a strong side for the Test against Afghanistan.</p>.Pakistan drop to 8th in Test rankings following loss to Bangladesh.<p>Veteran pacer Tim Southee will lead the team which includes the likes of former skipper Kane Williamson, who opted out of a central contract earlier this year, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra, while Tom Latham continues to be the vice-captain.</p>.<p>The BlackCaps have included five spin bowling options in Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel and part-timers Phillips and Ravindra for the Test. They will hold their first practice session on Friday.</p>.<p>The Test against Afghanistan will serve as a preparation for a two-match series against Sri Lanka, which is part of the World Test Championship.</p>.<p>After the tour of Sri Lanka, New Zealand will return to India as they take on Rohit Sharma and his men in a three-match Test series, also a part of the WTC calendar.</p>.<p>The three games will be played in Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai in October and November.</p>.<p>New Zealand currently occupy the third spot in the ICC WTC points table behind last edition's finalists, India and Australia. </p>