Cricket Match Prediction | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan | 3rd T20I | Dec 14 – Let’s see who will win the T20I series.

ZIM vs AFG Match Analysis

Harare Sports Club, Harare, will host the third and final T20I of a three-match T20I series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at 5:30 pm BST on December 14, 2024.

Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning upset in the first match of the three-game series, defeating Afghanistan by 4 wickets. However, Afghanistan responded strongly in the second match, securing a dominant 50-run victory. With the series now tied, the decisive final match promises to be an intense contest, as Zimbabwe aims for a rare series triumph on home soil.

Afghanistan has maintained a strong record against Zimbabwe in this format, losing only two of the 17 encounters between the sides. With a seasoned bowling attack well-suited to these conditions, the Afghans are poised to excel once again.

ZIM vs AFG Team Preview & Squads

Zimbabwe 

Zimbabwe will be disappointed with their batting display in the previous match, where they crumbled under pressure and missed the chance to secure the series. Skipper Sikandar Raza will urge his players to take inspiration from their victory in the first game and focus on playing to their strengths to challenge Afghanistan effectively.

Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani will need to provide a solid start at the top against Afghanistan’s formidable bowling attack. Dion Myers will be key in the middle order, working to build crucial partnerships with Wesley Madhevere and Sikandar Raza. In the lower order, Ryan Burl and Tashinga Musekiwa must step up in their roles as finishers.

Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani have impressed with the new ball throughout the series, and the team will rely on them to claim early wickets and put the opposition under pressure. In the middle overs, Wellington Masakadza and Trevor Gwandu will need to maintain control, while Raza and Ryan Burl are expected to deliver impactful spells with the ball.

Zimbabwe Squads

Zimbabwe

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

Afghanistan

Afghanistan will be relieved after their win in the previous game, as they were under pressure following their loss in the first match. The bowling attack delivered an excellent performance, making crucial breakthroughs in the Zimbabwean batting lineup. With the series now tied, Rashid Khan and his team will look to seize the opportunity and claim the series victory.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal were unable to capitalize on their starts in the last game, and the team will expect them to provide a solid foundation with a strong start. Darwish Rasooli, who played a match-winning knock, will look to contribute once again in the middle order alongside Zubaid Akbari and Azmatullah Omarzai. Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, and Rashid Khan add depth to the lower middle order.

The bowling attack was outstanding in the last game, and the team will rely on Naveen-ul-Haq and Mujeeb Ur Rahman to take early wickets and put pressure on the Zimbabweans. Rashid Khan, the team’s standout bowler, will be key in the middle overs, with support from Omarzai and Fareed Ahmad Malik. Mohammad Nabi and Naib provide additional strength to the bowling unit.

Afghanistan Squads

Afghanistan

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

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan outfield report 

Harare Sports Club, Harare

Batting against the spinners is challenging on this dual-paced surface. The side will have an advantage if they chase the score because it won’t be simple to bat here at first. Here, the team that wins the toss wants to bowl first. Over Harare, there would be scattered clouds. The batsmen will need to play patiently and with caution on this pitch.      

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

In the last five games, Afghanistan won four of them and ZIM won one.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Prediction

Cricket analysts predict Afghanistan has a 68% 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.