ZIM vs AFG Today Match Prediction & Analysis (Who Will Win?)

Afghanistan have the slight upper hand with a confident middle order and a recent series win in Zimbabwe. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s outstanding form (272 runs in three innings on the last tour) and a reliable opening partnership in Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Abdul Malik strengthen the visitors’ batting, even in Rashid Khan’s absence. Their selectors have opted for a balanced attack, mixing pace and spin to trouble Zimbabwe’s top order.

Zimbabwe are hungry to end their losing run at home and will count on established names like Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza, who averages close to 50 against Afghanistan. Antum Naqvi’s debut, with impressive first-class and List A credentials, could make the difference if the hosts are to apply pressure early. Zimbabwe’s best chance is to capitalize on home conditions, with Muzarabani and Ngarava hunting for early wickets before the surface favors spin.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Head to Head (Test)

ZIM vs AFG Teams Preview

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s top order will bank on the pair of Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor to set the tone, with captain Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza batting through the middle overs. Raza, with consistent runs against Afghanistan, and debutant Antum Naqvi both offer the stability needed against a varied Afghan bowling attack. Bowling looks competitive; Muzarabani and Ngarava should find movement early, while Masakadza and Raza offer spin control.

ZIM Probable Playing XI:

Brian Bennett, Brendan Taylor, Nick Welch, Antum Naqvi, Craig Ervine (C), Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga (WK), Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava

Top Player to bat on: Sikandar Raza & Blessing Muzarabani

Afghanistan

Afghanistan will rely on Rahmanullah Gurbaz or Bahir Shah to partner Malik at the top, with Shahidi and Ibrahim Zadran dominating the middle order. The bowling is strong, offering Shahidullah’s spin to back up pace from Ahmadzai and Zia-ur-Rehman. Absence of Rashid Khan brings added responsibility for their spinners to restrict opposition on a crumbling Harare deck.

AFG Probable Playing XI-

Rahmanullah Gurbaz/Bahir Shah, Abdul Malik, Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Afsar Zazai (WK), Ismat Alam, Shahidullah Kamal, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Zia-ur-Rehman, Yamin Ahmadzai, Khalil Gurbaz/ Bashir Ahmad

AFG Top Player to bat on: Hashmatullah Shahidi & Ibrahim Zadran

ZIM vs AFG Weather & Pitch Report

Harare Sports Club is a classic Test venue that starts hard with early movement for seamers but soon offers spin and variable bounce from Day 2 onward. The first two days will have partly cloudy to sunny skies, with a risk of drizzle on Day 3, but it clears up late. Teams need to bat long and accumulate first-innings runs, as scoring becomes harder as the pitch crumbles.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Dream11 Team

• Wicket-keeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tafadzwa Tsiga
• Batters: Hashmatullah Shahidi, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Ibrahim Zadran
• All-rounders: Sikandar Raza, Brad Evans
• Bowlers: Blessing Muzarabani, Yamin Ahmadzai, Wellington Masakadza, Shahidullah Kamal

Pro Tip: Always check your Dream 11 lineup after final XIs are listed, usually half an hour before the match starts. Make last-minute tweaks for any surprise inclusions.

Disclaimer:

These predictions and picks are for entertainment only, not for illegal use or activity in violation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The author is not responsible for any financial loss.