Match Details:
The first Test of the two-match Test series between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, on 2nd March, Tuesday.
This match will start at 11:30 AM IST and 10:00 AM local time. It will be streaming on Fancode.
Preview:
After a long break, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will finally be seen playing with the red ball again. They will be locking horns in a 2-match Test series here in Abu Dhabi. It is been around a year and a half since Afghanistan last played a Test match.
In their short history of 4 Test matches, they have won two games. On the other hand, it has been more than a year since Zimbabwe last donned their whites. Their form in Tests is concerning, as they lost 3 and drawn the other of their last 4 Test matches. However, their new and youthful side certainly packs a punch, and this series should be a fascinating match.
AFG vs ZIM Weather Report for 1st Test:
As we saw in the entire Abu Dhabi T10 competition, the weather will again be perfect for cricket. The temperature will be around 24-27 °C, with the chances of precipitation being nil.
Pitch Condition/Report:
There haven’t been many test matches played at this venue recently, but the track here at Abu Dhabi is generally a batting-friendly one.
Average first innings score:
316 (Last five Test matches played at this venue)
Record of chasing teams:
Won – 0, Lost – 5, Tie – 0
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Injury and Availability News:
Rashid Khan suffered a finger injury during his time in PSL, but he was seen in Afghanistan’s practice session, It will be important to check the playing XIs after the toss.
AFG vs ZIM Today’s Probable Playing XIs:
Afghanistan
Javed Ahmadi, Ibrahim Zadran, Munir Kakar, Rahmat Shah, Nasir Jamal, Asghar Afghan (c), Afsar Zazai, Rashid Khan, Zia Akbar, Saleem Safi, Yamin Ahmadzai.
Bench:
Hashmatullah Shahidi, Abdul Malik, Shahidullah Kamal, Bahir Shah Mohboob, Amir Hamza, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Sayed Ahmad Shirzad, Wafadar Momand.
Zimbabwe
Prince Masvaure, Kevin Kasuza, Sean Williams, Ryan Burl Wesely Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Donald Tiripano, Wellington Masakadza/Brandon Mavuta, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani,
Bench:
Brandon Mavuta, Richmond Mutumbami, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi.
AFG vs ZIM Top Picks for Today’s 11Wickets Match:
Kevin Kasuza scored a century in the practice game recently. His current form is impressive, as he also played well in the Logan Cup.
Sean Williams also batted well in that practice game, as he scored over 80 runs. He is the most experienced member of the current Zimbabwean batting lineup.
Rashid Khan should definitely be your captaincy choice, provided he is fit to play. He has picked up 23 wickets in just 4 Tests for Afghanistan.
Rahmat Shah is currently the leading run-scorer in the Test cricket history of Afghanistan. He has scored 298 runs at an average of nearly 40, which includes a century.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain Options – Sean Williams, Rashid Khan
Vice-Captain Options – Munir Ahmad, Kevin Kasuza
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for AFG vs ZIM 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Munir Ahmad (VC)
Batters – Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Wesely Madhevere, Ibrahim Zadran, Kevin Kasuza
All-Rounders – Sean Williams (C), Brandon Mavuta
Bowlers – Blessing Muzarabani, Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai
12th Man – Javed Ahmadi
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for AFG vs ZIM 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Munir Ahmad
Batters – Kevin Kasuza (VC), Rahmat Shah, Nasir Jamal, Ryan Burl
All-Rounders – Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Javed Ahmadi
Bowlers – Rashid Khan (C), Blessing Muzarabani, Zia-ur-Rehman Akbar
12th Man – Asghar Afghan
Expert Advice:
Ibrahim Zadran can be a clever budget pick from the batsmen. In just 2 Test matches, he has scored 148 runs at an average of nearly 40.
Today’s AFG vs ZIM Probable Winners:
Afghanistan is expected to win this match.
Note: Updated Fantasy teams and Playing XIs of every match will be provided in our Telegram channel if the information is available.
Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
