Afghanistan are all set to lock horns with the revamped Zimbabwe side for a 2-match Test series followed by three T20Is. The teams will lock horns for the first Test at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, starting this Tuesday.
Afghanistan, who got their Test status granted by the ICC in 2017 have played four Test matches so far and do possess a decent record of 2-2, managing to defeat experienced sides like Bangladesh and Ireland, the relatively young side have shown great character so far at the International stage.
Zimbabwe on the other hand will be playing their first Test in almost a year. They will be without key players- Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine, both are available due to illness. Their last red-ball encounter was a one-off against Bangladesh. Things did not go in their favor as the minnow side were thrashed by hosts, losing by an innings and 106 runs.
It promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams will be looking to make full use of this opportunity. Can Afghanistan continue their merry run in the longest-format and rise up the rankings? Or will it be the juster Zimbabwe side that comes out victorious?
Match Toss Time: 09:30 Local (11:00 IST)
Match Start Time: 10:00 Local (11:30 IST)
Match Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Weather Report
With zero percent precipitation, the conditions are expected to be ideal for cricket throughout the course of five days. The temperature is expected to be hovering in the 30-26 degree Celsius and the humidity at the peak is likely to touch the 50 percent range.
Pitch
The strip was last used for a red-ball encounter back in 2018 but a number of T20s have been played at this venue. The pitch is expected to be a balanced one and as the game progresses, the spinners are expected to have their say. The team winning the toss should be looking to bat first as the pitch is expected to deteriorate in the last two days. Expect an even challenge between the bat and ball.
Team News
Afghanistan are dealing with a major role in the form of their key player- Rashid Khan. The 22-year old is still recovering from his finger injury and there has not been any official reports on the availability of the youngster for this encounter. Afghanistan has also included eight uncapped players for this encounter and looks certain a few of them will be making their debut for the country. Other big names such as Mujeeb-ur- Rahman, Noor Ahmad, and Qais Ahmad have not been picked for the longest format but will play an integral part in the upcoming shortest format encounter.
Zimbabwe on the other hand will be without the services of Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine. The 34-year old all-rounder Sean Williams will lead the side. Apart from their two-star players, the visitors will also be missing Peter Moor, Chamu Chibhabha, and Tendai Chatara as all three are recovering from injuries.
Probable Playing Xl
Afghanistan (AFG): Ibrahim Zadran, Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan (C), Javed Ahmadi, Afsar Zazai (WK), Yamin Ahmadzai, Rashid Khan, Amir Hamza, Shahidullah Kamal
Zimbabwe (ZIM): Prince Masvaure, Tarisai Musakanda, Sean Williams (C), Richmond Mutumbami, Sikandar Raza, Wesley Madhevere, Regis Chakabva (WK), Donald Tiripano, Blessing Muzarabani, Brandon Mavuta, Wellington Masakadza
AFG vs ZIM Fantasy Team
Richmond Mutumbami, Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Wesley Madhevere, Tarisai Musakanda, Javed Ahmadi, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, Z Khan/ Amir Hamza, Rashid Khan, Blessing Muzarabani
Captain Picks: Rashid Khan (AFG), Sikandar Raza (ZIM)
Vice-captain Picks: Sean Williams (ZIM), Asghar Afghan (AFG)
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