Afghanistan will face Zimbabwe in the second match of the ODI Tri-Nation Series in the UAE 2026 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday, October 19. Afghanistan will begin its campaign with a win in mind, while Zimbabwe will look to build on its winning start and strengthen its position in the tournament.
Zimbabwe defeated Bangladesh by 99 runs in the opening match on October 17. The victory gave Sikandar Raza’s side an early boost and ended its four-match losing streak in ODIs. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will aim to carry its recent success against Ireland into the tri-series after winning that away series 4-0.
Afghanistan has won 20 of its 30 ODIs against Zimbabwe, while Zimbabwe has won 10. Rashid Khan will be a key player for Afghanistan, while Sikandar Raza’s team will look to build on its strong performance against Bangladesh.
AFG vs ZIM Match Preview and Recent Form
Afghanistan won four consecutive games in the ODI series against Ireland. The team posted totals of 343/9 and 302/4 during that series. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran can provide aggressive starts, while Sediqullah Atal offers another option in the top order.
Rashid Khan’s return strengthens Afghanistan’s bowling attack. He has taken 50 ODI wickets against Zimbabwe at an average of 14.18. Mohammad Nabi and AM Ghazanfar add spin options, while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Yamin Ahmadzai are expected to lead the pace attack.
Zimbabwe bounced back from a poor run of results with its win over Bangladesh. The team recovered from 24/3 in the opening match as Craig Ervine scored 93 and shared a 150-run partnership with Brendan Taylor.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers also made important contributions in the opener. Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans led the pace attack, while Wellington Masakadza and Sikandar Raza provided crucial breakthroughs. Raza also reached 100 ODI wickets in the match.
Zimbabwe will need another disciplined bowling performance to contain Afghanistan’s strong batting line-up and maintain its winning momentum.
AFG vs ZIM Live Streaming, Live Telecast: Where to Watch the 2nd ODI?
Cricket fans in India can watch the live streaming of the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI on the FanCode app and website. Viewers can check the platform for match access and any subscription requirements before the game.
In Zimbabwe, fans can follow the match through available national broadcasters and regional digital platforms. The match will take place at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with coverage scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM IST (3:30 PM local time).
AFG vs ZIM Pitch Report: How Will Sheikh Zayed Stadium Play?
The surface at Sheikh Zayed Stadium generally offers a balanced contest between batters and bowlers. Fast bowlers can find some movement with the new ball, while the bounce allows batters to play their shots once they settle at the crease. Spinners may also come into the game as the surface slows down.
Batting conditions can become more challenging as the match progresses, making it important for the team batting first to build a competitive total. The average first-innings score at the venue is 251, compared with 203 in the second innings.
The team winning the toss may prefer to bat first and put a competitive total on the board. However, the final decision will depend on the pitch conditions and the teams’ assessment on match day.
Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium ODI Stats
Total Matches: 58
Matches Won Batting First: 39
Matches Won Bowling First: 19
Average First-Innings Score: 251
Average Second-Innings Score: 203
Highest Team Total: 343/4 (South Africa vs Ireland)
Lowest Team Total: 63 (Afghanistan vs Scotland)
Highest Successful Chase: 295/6 (Pakistan vs West Indies)
Lowest Score Defended: 180/3 (UAE vs Papua New Guinea)
Highest Individual Score: 137 (Alastair Cook, England vs Pakistan, 2012)
Best Bowling Figures: 6/28 (Josh Davey, Scotland vs Afghanistan, 2015)
AFG vs ZIM Weather Forecast and Rain Threat at Sheikh Zayed Stadium
According to AccuWeather, hot and sunny conditions are expected on Monday. Temperatures are forecast to reach around 35°C during the afternoon, which could test the players’ stamina.
Humidity is expected to remain around 55% to 60%. The forecast indicates no rain during the match window, so weather-related interruptions appear unlikely. However, conditions can change, and the teams should prepare for the heat during this 50-over contest.
AFG vs ZIM Team News and Squad Updates
Afghanistan have welcomed back leg-spinner Rashid Khan and opening batter Ibrahim Zadran to their full-strength squad. Both players were rested on medical advice for the one-off Test against Bangladesh, and their return strengthens Afghanistan’s bowling attack and top order ahead of the second ODI.
Zimbabwe are expected to retain their winning combination. The team has an unchanged 15-player squad, with no new injury concerns reported. Sikandar Raza’s side will look to build on that performance and maintain its momentum in the tri-series.
AFG vs ZIM Predicted Playing 11 Today
Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Yamin Ahmadzai.
Zimbabwe Predicted Playing XI: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Brendan Taylor (wk), Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (c), Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani.
AFG vs ZIM Key Player Battles to Watch
Craig Ervine vs Rashid Khan
Craig Ervine will be a key batter for Zimbabwe after scoring 93 in the opening match against Bangladesh. However, Rashid Khan poses a major threat and will look to challenge Ervine with his googlies and sharp leg-breaks.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Blessing Muzarabani
Rahmanullah Gurbaz will look to give Afghanistan an aggressive start during the powerplay. Blessing Muzarabani, however, can trouble him with his height, bounce and movement with the new ball.
Sikandar Raza vs Mohammad Nabi
Sikandar Raza will be expected to guide the innings if the top order loses wickets. Mohammad Nabi’s experience and controlled off-spin could make this a crucial contest during the middle overs.
AFG vs ZIM Key Players to Watch
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal
Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani
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