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Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are set to lock horns in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, starting December 26, 2024. After losing the T20I and ODI series, Zimbabwe will aim to bounce back in red-ball cricket. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will be brimming with confidence, looking to extend their dominance. With both teams keen to start the series on a high, this Test promises an intriguing contest.
Match Details
| Match | Zimbabwe vs. Afghanistan, 1st Test |
|---|---|
| Date | December 26–30, 2024 |
| Venue | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
| Time | 10:00 AM (Local Time) |
| Series Status | 0-0 (First Test of the Series) |
Teams Preview
Zimbabwe Preview
Zimbabwe will rely heavily on their senior players to deliver in this important encounter. Craig Ervine leads the side, and his experience will be crucial in steadying the middle order. Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza bring all-round capabilities that are pivotal for Zimbabwe’s chances. Youngsters like Joyland Gumbie, Brian Bennett, and Tadiwanashe Marumani will look to make an impact at the international stage.
The bowling unit, spearheaded by Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, will need to deliver timely breakthroughs. Spinner Brandon Mavuta and the versatile Sikandar Raza will play supporting roles in controlling the middle overs.
Key Players: Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani
Afghanistan Preview
Afghanistan enters the Test series on the back of a successful limited-overs campaign. Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, the team has a mix of experienced players and exciting young talents. Rahmat Shah, Afghanistan’s most consistent Test batter since 2021, will anchor the innings alongside skipper Shahidi. The inclusion of uncapped players like Sediqullah Atal and Riaz Hussain adds depth to the squad.
The bowling attack, featuring Rashid Khan, Yasmin Ahmadzai, and Fareed Malik, will be key to Afghanistan’s success. Rashid Khan’s ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions and the pace of Ahmadzai and Malik can trouble Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.
Key Players: Rashid Khan, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi
Predicted Squads
| Zimbabwe Playing XI | Afghanistan Playing XI |
|---|---|
| Craig Ervine (c) | Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) |
| Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk) | Riaz Hussain |
| Dion Myers | Sediqullah Atal |
| Sean Williams | Rahmat Shah |
| Joyland Gumbie | Ikram Alikhil (wk) |
| Brian Bennett | Azmatullah Omarzai |
| Sikandar Raza | Rashid Khan |
| Brandon Mavuta | Zahir Khan |
| Trevor Gwandu | Yasmin Ahmadzai |
| Richard Ngarava | Naveed Zadran |
| Blessing Muzarabani | Fareed Malik |
Fantasy Team XI
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain | Rashid Khan |
| Vice-Captain | Sean Williams |
| Batsmen | Craig Ervine, Rahmat Shah, Riaz Hussain |
| All-rounders | Sikandar Raza, Azmatullah Omarzai |
| Wicketkeeper | Tadiwanashe Marumani |
| Bowlers | Blessing Muzarabani, Rashid Khan, Fareed Malik, Yasmin Ahmadzai, Brandon Mavuta |
Pitch Report
Queens Sports Club offers balanced conditions for both batters and bowlers. Early on, pacers can extract bounce and movement, while spinners tend to become more effective as the match progresses. Batting becomes easier after the first day, but deteriorating conditions in the latter stages can challenge the batters.
- Average 1st Innings Score: 300
- Toss Recommendation: Bowl first (Teams bowling first have won 12 of 25 matches).
Match Prediction
Afghanistan enters the contest as favorites, thanks to their strong form and balanced squad. Zimbabwe’s reliance on a few key players may hurt their chances, especially against a well-rounded Afghanistan team.
Prediction: Afghanistan
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