Cricket Match Prediction | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan | 2nd Test | Jan 02 – Who will win the breathtaking final test ZIM or AFG?

ZIM vs AFG Match Analysis

The second test of the two-match test series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan is scheduled for January 02, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. BST at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. The opening Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in Bulawayo concluded in a high-scoring stalemate, as both teams amassed plenty of runs on a benign pitch.

The two sides will face off again for the series second and final Test of the series at the same venue. The pitch is likely to resemble the one from the first match, another run-heavy contest is anticipated.

ZIM vs AFG Team Preview & Squads

Zimbabwe 

Zimbabwe’s batters delivered an impressive performance in the opening Test at Bulawayo, racking up a massive 586 after electing to bat first. Sean Williams (154), Craig Ervine (104*), and Brian Bennett (110) led the charge, highlighting the solidity of the home side’s middle order.

Opener Ben Curran showed promising form with scores of 68 and 41 across the two innings, while Takudzwanashe Kaitano demonstrated potential as a reliable option at number three.

Despite the unresponsive surface, Zimbabwe’s spinners, Brian Bennett and Sean Williams, managed to extract some turn. Bennett claimed five wickets, while Williams took two. Blessing Muzarabani remains Zimbabwe’s primary strike bowler and will be tasked with making early breakthroughs with the new ball. To strengthen the bowling attack, the hosts may consider replacing Trevor Gwandu with Richard Ngarava for the next match.

Zimbabwe Squads

Zimbabwe

Craig Ervine (c), Tadiwanashe Marumani, Trevor Gwandu, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Nyasha Mayavo, Newman Nyamhuri, Joylord Gumbie, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Ben Curran, Richard Ngarava, Sean Williams, Dion Myers, Johnathan Campbell, and Takudzwa Chataira.

Afghanistan

The Afghans will be thrilled with their remarkable batting display in the first Test. They piled up an enormous total of 699 after conceding 586 runs with the ball. Rahmat Shah (234) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (246) led the charge with exceptional innings, complemented by a century from Afsar Zazai.

Shah and Shahidi remain Afghanistan’s key batters and are expected to contribute significantly in the second Test as well. All-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai had a quiet outing in the previous game, but he is tipped to make a stronger impact in the upcoming match.

On the bowling front, watch young off-spinner AM Ghazanfar, who managed to extract turn and bounce from the flat surface in the first Test, finishing with four wickets. Zahir Khan and Zia-ur-Rehman are also crucial members of the attack, capable of breaking partnerships at critical moments.

Afghanistan Squads

Afghanistan

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Bashir Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Riaz Hassan, Abdul Malik, Zahir Shehzad, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Zia-ur-Rehman, Sediqullah Atal, Afsar Zazai, Ikram Alikhil, Bahir Shah, Zahir Khan, Naveed Zadran, Ismat Alam, and Yamin Ahmadzai.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan outfield report 

Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Both captains will try to bat first here because the opening three days of the match are probably going to be very batting-friendly. For most of the game, the weather in Bulawayo will be overcast, with sporadic thunderstorms that could cause delays.

Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club has a track that has historically been batter-friendly. Unless the weather changes expect another calm pitch with little help for bowlers, which will probably result in another long batting session.      

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

Afghanistan won one of the last two games and ZIM won one.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Prediction

Cricket analysts predict Afghanistan has a 64% 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.