Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat in the opening match of their multi-format tour of Zimbabwe. Rashid Khan, leading the team, welcomed Mujeeb Ur Rahman back into the squad after his injury layoff. Mujeeb last played a T20I in June and will join Rashid and Mohammad Nabi in spearheading Afghanistan’s spin attack.
Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, also made one change to their squad, with Trevor Gwandu replacing Tinotenda Maposa. Raza mentioned that he would have opted to bowl first regardless. The match takes place on a Harare pitch expected to favor the batters, with the outfield likely to enhance scoring opportunities. The ground’s square boundaries present a challenge, measuring 79 meters on one side and 64 meters on the other.
Afghanistan’s batting line-up sees Sediqullah Atal opening in place of the absent Ibrahim Zadran. Promising young batters Zubaid Akbari and Darwish Rasooli are not included in the starting XI for this match. Afghanistan will rely on experienced players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, and Hazratullah Zazai to build a solid foundation.
Zimbabwe will look to capitalize on home conditions, with their playing XI featuring key contributors such as Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, and Ryan Burl. The team aims to bounce back after their recent T20I series loss to Pakistan.
Playing XIs:
Zimbabwe: Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza (capt), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu.
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (capt), Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fareed Ahmed.
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