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Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe T20I Predictions - Rashid to lead hosts to early series lead

Simon Lewis
Editor
Last updated: 1 hour ago

Afghanistan enter the T20I series against Zimbabwe in strong form after winning the ODI tri-series, including a convincing victory in the final. Rashid Khan leads a formidable spin attack, while Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz bolster the batting. Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, struggled in the ODI encounters but hope for better performances in the T20 format. Brad Evans and Blessing Muzarabani remain crucial for the visitors. Afghanistan are predicted to continue their dominance, with Sharjah's conditions expected to favour their spinners.

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• Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by seven wickets in Friday's ODI tri-series final.
• Rashid Khan was Player of the Series with 11 wickets from three ODIs.
• Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza top-scored with 68 in the final.
Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan has figures of 4/17, 4/31 & 3/41 in his last 3 matches (Getty Images).

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Predictions


Afghanistan enter the T20I series with confidence after dominating Zimbabwe twice in the ODI tri-series, including a comprehensive win in the final.

  • Afghanistan's Rashid Khan took 3/41 in the ODI final on the back of figures of 4/17 & 4/31.
  • Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 70 in the ODI final.
  • Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz has scored 25 & 36 in his last 3 knocks.
  • Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza scored 48 & 68 his last 2 knocks.
  • Zimbabwe's Ryan Burl scored 31 & 31 his two innings in the tri-series.
  • Zimbabwe's Brad Evans has figures of 4/37, 4/45 & 3/48 in his last 4 innings.

Head-to-Head


Afghanistan have dominated the recent ODI meetings with Zimbabwe and carry that momentum into the T20 series.

Afghanistan Form


Afghanistan won the ODI tri-series final by seven wickets after dismissing Zimbabwe for just 169 on Friday. 

Their bowling attack brutally exposed Zimbabwe's middle and lower order, Rashid Khan taking 3/41 while Mohammad Nabi and Fazalhaq Farooqi each picked up a pair of wickets.

Ibrahim Zadran anchored the chase with 70 off 96 balls and enjoyed good support from Rahmanullah Gurbaz (36 off 31) and skipper Rahmat Shah (43 off 63) as they raced to the win in the 35th over.

Zimbabwe Form


Zimbabwe reached the ODI final but lost both of their clashes against Afghanistan in the brief series. 

Skipper Sikandar Raza remains central to their batting and bowling plans, while Ryan Burl and Brian Bennett have both been scoring 30s without kicking on.

Blessing Muzarabani hasn't been taking many wickets but is still bowling well and will give the visitors more natural T20 fire-power than their ODI results suggest. Brad Evans has taken 14 wickets in his last 5 matches and should give Afghanistan's top-order batter a big test. 

Team News


Ibrahim Zadran captains Afghanistan in the three-match T20I series. Mohammad Nabi is not in the T20 squad, but Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are all set to feature for the hosts. Sikandar Raza leads Zimbabwe with star bowler Brad Evans available for the first two matches.

Afghanistan possible XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran (c), Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Akram, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik.

Zimbabwe possible XI: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Ben Curran, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Vincent Masekesa.

Verdict

Afghanistan are strongly back to win as the Sharjah should suit their spin-heavy attack. 

Rashid Khan is the standout bowler in the pack while Ibrahim Zadran has scored 90, 34 & 70* in his last 3 knocks and is worth backing with the bat.
   
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Simon Lewis

Sports Editor • 20+ years betting experience

Simon is a talented sports writer in South Africa with a strong focus on cricket having played first-team level for UCT, including playing at two Universities Weeks.


From a young age Simon was an avid reader of cricket magazines and books, and went on to be Editor of The Googly, CricketScene SA and SA Cricket, in addition to being a Features Writer on SA Sports Illustrated. 

He has interviewed most of South Africa's premier cricketers and was the first writer to interview a teenaged Jacques Kallis.

Simon has also written about English and local football, rugby and cricket, in addition to major international tennis and golf stars and competitions.

You can follow more from Simon at Muckrack, X and LinkedIn.

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