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Host Zimbabwe will face Afghanistan in the first ODI of the three-match series at Harare Sports Club. Having recently lost the T20I series to Afghanistan, Zimbabwe will be keen to bounce back in the 50-over format and deliver a stronger performance. For Afghanistan, confidence is high after securing the T20 series, and they’ll be eager to continue their dominance in the ODIs.
Historically, Afghanistan holds the upper hand in ODI cricket, winning 18 of their 28 encounters with Zimbabwe. Can Zimbabwe turn the tables on their home turf, or will Afghanistan extend their winning streak?
Teams Preview
Zimbabwe Preview
Zimbabwe enter this series with much to prove after their struggles in the T20I format. Captain Craig Ervine will be the key to steadying the ship as Zimbabwe seek redemption in the longer format.
Batting Department
The hosts will rely heavily on Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams, and Brian Bennett to anchor the innings. Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion Myers are tasked with providing aggressive starts, while Ben Curran and Raza will add depth to the batting lineup.
Ervine has been Zimbabwe’s standout performer in ODIs this year, scoring 157 runs in six matches with two fifties. His role at the top will be critical in setting the tone for the innings.
Bowling Department
Zimbabwe’s bowling will be spearheaded by Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, with Trevor Gwandu providing support. Wellington Masakadza and Sikandar Raza will shoulder the spin-bowling duties.
Ngarava has been in fine form this year, taking 10 wickets in six ODIs at an impressive economy rate of 4.80. His ability to strike early will be crucial against Afghanistan’s strong top order.
Key Players:
- Craig Ervine: The captain’s consistency at the top is vital for Zimbabwe.
- Richard Ngarava: Zimbabwe’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs this year.
- Sikandar Raza: A proven match-winner with both bat and ball.
Predicted Playing XI:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Craig Ervine (c) | Batter |
| Tadiwanashe Marumani | Batter |
| Dion Myers | Batter |
| Sikandar Raza | All-rounder |
| Brian Bennett | Batter |
| Sean Williams | All-rounder |
| Ben Curran | Batter |
| Trevor Gwandu | Bowler |
| Richard Ngarava | Bowler |
| Wellington Masakadza | Bowler |
| Blessing Muzarabani | Bowler |
Afghanistan Preview
Afghanistan come into this series as the favorites, buoyed by their recent success in the T20I series. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi will look to continue their winning momentum.
Batting Department
Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been in scintillating form, amassing 531 runs in 11 ODI innings this year at an average of 48.27, including three centuries. Alongside Gurbaz, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah will play vital roles in stabilizing the innings, while Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai can provide explosive finishes.
Bowling Department
Afghanistan’s bowling attack is formidable, led by Rashid Khan, who needs no introduction. He is ably supported by pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib. Off-spinner AM Ghanzafar has been Afghanistan’s top performer this year, picking up 12 wickets in six matches.
Key Players:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Afghanistan’s star opener with three centuries this year.
- Rashid Khan: A proven match-winner with his leg-spin.
- AM Ghanzafar: Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs this year.
Predicted Playing XI:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) | Batter |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Sadiqullah Atal | Batter |
| Rahmat Shah | Batter |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Nabi | All-rounder |
| Rashid Khan | Bowler |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Bowler |
| Nangeyalia Karote | Bowler |
| AM Ghanzafar | Bowler |
| Gulbadin Naib | Bowler |
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report
The Harare Sports Club typically offers a balanced surface, with some assistance for both batters and bowlers. The average first-innings score in ODIs here is around 230 runs. Spinners are likely to play a significant role as the pitch tends to slow down in the second innings.
Weather Forecast
Light rain showers are predicted in the morning, but conditions are expected to improve as the day progresses. Temperatures will hover around 23°C, and humidity levels will remain high.
Toss Prediction
With 11 of the last 19 matches at this venue won by teams chasing, both captains will likely opt to field first upon winning the toss.
Fantasy XI Prediction
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain | Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
| Vice-Captain | Sikandar Raza |
| Batsmen | Hashmatullah Shahidi, Craig Ervine, Rahmat Shah |
| All-rounders | Mohammad Nabi, Sean Williams |
| Wicketkeeper | Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
| Bowlers | Rashid Khan, Richard Ngarava, AM Ghanzafar, Blessing Muzarabani |
Match Prediction
Afghanistan are in red-hot form, having recently secured a historic ODI series win against South Africa and a T20I series win over Zimbabwe. Their well-rounded squad, with in-form batters and bowlers, makes them strong favorites. Zimbabwe, while having the home advantage, will need a complete team effort to challenge Afghanistan’s dominance.
Prediction: Afghanistan to win
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