The three-match T20 International series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan is set to commence on Wednesday, October 29, with all fixtures being hosted at the Harare Sports Club. This series is a vital component of both nations’ preparation for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe, captained by star all-rounder Sikandar Raza, enter the T20 arena with a boost in morale, having convincingly defeated the visitors in the preceding one-off Test match. Afghanistan, however, will be determined to put the Test setback behind them and reassert their historical dominance in the shortest format of the game.
Zimbabwe: Momentum and experience
Zimbabwe’s squad showcases a blend of seasoned campaigners and exciting young talent, a structure that helped them recently secure T20 World Cup qualification. Captain Raza remains the lynchpin, capable of dominating both with bat and ball, while opener Brian Bennett has been identified as a key run-scorer, having been in electric form throughout the year. The return of veteran leg-spinner and former captain Graeme Cremer, who last played international cricket several years ago, is a significant selection decision, aimed at adding considerable experience and control to the spin attack alongside Wellington Masakadza. The pace department is well-stocked with the pace and aggression of Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, who will spearhead the seam attack.
Afghanistan: Spin supremacy and solid batting
Afghanistan’s greatest strength lies in their spin-heavy bowling unit, universally regarded as one of the best in world cricket. Led by the world-class leg-spinner Rashid Khan, the attack also features the mystery of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and the experience of Mohammad Nabi. These three players form a formidable trio capable of strangling opposing batting line-ups during the middle overs. In the batting order, the onus will be on the opening partnership, featuring the explosive wicket-keeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz and the anchor Ibrahim Zadran, to lay a solid foundation. On a squad note, Noor Ahmad is reportedly unavailable for the series. Although there has been no official confirmation from the board, sources have indicated that visa issues prevented the left-arm wrist-spinner from traveling, leading to the selection of the accomplished left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi as his replacement.
ZIM vs AFG, First T20I: Match Details
- Date and Time: October 29, 2025: 05:00 PM IST / 11:30 AM GMT/ 01:30 PM Local
- Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
ZIM vs AFG, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
Matches Played: 18 | Zimbabwe won: 2 | Afghanistan won: 16 | No result: 0
Also READ: Jonathan Trott blasts ACB over lack of communication after Afghanistan’s humiliating Test defeat against Zimbabwe
Harare Sports Club Pitch Report
The surface at the Harare Sports Club for T20 Internationals is typically balanced, but it offers more assistance to bowlers as the game progresses. The historical data indicates that the pitch tends to be on the slower, drier side, providing significant grip and turn for spinners, especially in the middle overs of afternoon matches. The average first innings score hovers around 150, and chasing teams have historically found it difficult, with the team batting first often holding the advantage. Given Afghanistan’s formidable spin attack, the conditions are likely to favor them slightly, and the captain winning the toss is expected to choose to bat first and try to set a target.
ZIM vs AFG, 1st T20I: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Zimbabwe wins the toss and bat first
- Zimbabwe powerplay score: 40-50
- Zimbabwe total score: 150-160
Case 2:
- Afghanistan wins the toss and bat first
- Afghanistan powerplay score: 45-55
- Afghanistan total score: 160-170
Match result: Team batting first to win the contest
Also READ: Zimbabwe announce T20I squad for Afghanistan series; Graeme Cremer returns after 7 years
