Cricket Match Prediction | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan | 1st T20I | Dec 11 – Can ZIM defeat AFG?

ZIM vs AFG Match Analysis

Harare Sports Club, Harare, will host the first T20I of a three-match T20I series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at 5:30 pm BST on December 11, 2024.

Zimbabwe recently suffered a 1-2 defeat in their T20I series against Pakistan. In the first two matches, they were bowled out for 108 and 57 runs, respectively. However, they managed to bounce back in the final game, successfully chasing a target of 133 runs with two wickets to spare.

Afghanistan boasts an impressive record against Zimbabwe in T20Is, with 14 wins and just 1 loss, including a 3-0 series victory in their last visit. Known for their formidable bowling attack, Afghanistan reached the T20 World Cup semifinals by defeating heavyweights Australia and New Zealand. This time, they are set to present an even greater challenge to the hosts.

ZIM vs AFG Team Preview & Squads

Zimbabwe 

Zimbabwe’s opening batsman Brian Bennett found his rhythm in the final match, helping the team successfully chase down the target. While the batting performances overall have been underwhelming, Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani are expected to be key players in the top order.

Wessly Madhevere returned to the team for the match against Pakistan. He didn’t do well in the one game he played. We anticipate that he will find other opportunities against Afghanistan. After captain Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl, these are some of the team’s more seasoned players.

Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza will spearhead ZIM’s bowling attack. Two of the most important all-round players who can provide the hosts with significant breakthroughs are Sikandara Raza and Ryan Burl.

Zimbabwe Squads

Zimbabwe

Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Faraz Akram, Wessly Madhevere, Trevor Gwandu, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Tinotenda Maposa, and Tashinga Musekiwa.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan returns to T20I action for the first time since their semifinal defeat to South Africa in the West Indies. They have shown strong form in white-ball cricket, including a recent ODI series win over South Africa.

AFG’s spin-bowling attack in the series will be led by Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. They have bowling all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naveen ul Haq in the speed department.

With the bat, Omarazai is also quite important. Other important middle-field hitters to keep an eye on are Karim Janat and Gulbadin Naib. We anticipate a strong start from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai at the top. Gurbaz is a player to keep an eye on because he has had an incredible year at the top.

Afghanistan Squads

Afghanistan

Darwish Rasooli, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Ishaq, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Nangeyalia Kharote, Zubaid Akbari, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Noor Ahmad.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan outfield report 

Harare Sports Club, Harare

In the 55 T20Is held here, teams that bat first have won 33 of them. The batting team will have an advantage over the opposition if they have runs on the board because the venue does not allow for many runs to be scored. Given their bowling prowess, the visitors ought to feel secure defending a total.

On the day of the match, Harare will see bright, sunny skies with a high of 32 degrees Celsius. At the Harare Sports Club, the wicket is evenly distributed, and the bowlers are receiving a lot of assistance from the surface. In the last ten Twenty20 matches played here, the average first innings score has been 160 runs.     

ZIM vs AFG Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In the last five games, Afghanistan won all of them.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Prediction

Cricket analysts predict Afghanistan has a 67% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.