AFG v ZIM, 1st ODI Preview: High-flying Afghanistan aims to repeat the T20 heroics

When blood, terror, and tears subjugated peace and harmony in Afghanistan, it seemed like their worst nightmare would remain for eternity. But a hope for a better tomorrow never perished and everything that is going wrong is culminating slowly and turning into ashes. These ashes are enlightening the country, which is certainly palpable by the way their cricket team is performing.

A decade ago, to defeat a Test-playing nation would’ve been such a big task for them, but they managed to register a 2-0 win against Zimbabwe in the recently concluded T20I series. They were comprehensive across all dimensions of the game and their stalwart Mohammad Nabi produced a couple of blinders in both games, which played a crucial role in their success.

On the other side of the coin, Zimbabwe still has some big names at their disposal, but they lack intensity in their approach. They seem low on confidence and it can only be overturned with one of the senior players taking the onus on himself and displaying a great amount of perseverance. For the first time in history, Zimbabwe will be entering an ODI series against a side who haven’t played Test cricket with a hope to not get annihilated.

Playing Combinations

Afghanistan

The Afghans have made a few changes to their side, their senior player Samiullah Shenwari joining the squad being the major one. He will straight away walk into the XI and will be a key presence in the middle order alongside Mohammad Nabi, Asghar Stanikzai, Najibullah Zadran and Rahmat Shah. Mohammad Shahzad and Javed Ahmadi might open the innings for them.

Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Zadran form one of the most decorated teenage bowling pairs of all time. They’ll hold the key once again, with the services of Nabi always being a crucial pillar. Gulbadin Naib and Dawlat Zadran will be the two fast bowlers for the side. They have some other part-timers like Najibullah Zadran and Rahmat Shah, who can chip with a couple of overs when needed.

Probable XI: Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Rahmat Shah, Asghar Stanikzai (C), Mohammad Nabi, Samiullah Shenwari, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Dawlat Zadran

Zimbabwe

Hamilton Masakadza and Solomon Mire will open the batting for the Zimbabweans, with Brendan Taylor coming in at 3. They need Sikandar Raza, Ryal Burl, Malcolm Waller, and Peter Moor to chip in with crucial contributions in the middle order, especially when the spinners will be operating.

Brian Vitori has been called back and he might be replacing Blessing Muzarabani in the XI. He will be forming a fast bowling trio alongside Kyle Jarvis and Tendai Chatara. Graeme Cremer, Sikandar Raza and Malcolm Waller need to take the onus on themselves as the Sharjah track might be on the drier side.

Probable XI: Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Peter Moor, Malcolm Waller, Graeme Cremer (C), Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Brian Vitori

Focus will be on

Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)

One of the best all-rounders in the world currently, Mohammad Nabi’s worth in the side has gone up astronomically high. The swashbuckling batter played a couple of stunning knocks in the T20I series and will be eager to carry forward the good work in the ODI series. He might be batting a little higher in the order to ensure their in-form player gets to spend more time at the crease.

Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe)

Ever since he returned to Zimbabwe, Brendan Taylor doesn’t seem anywhere close to how brilliant he was once upon a time. Zimbabwe need him to fire big time, more than ever before. Their side is currently in a precarious situation and if this poor form continues, it might cost them a place in the World Cup next year. The process of gathering momentum should begin here and they need their experienced man Taylor to chip with some big scores.

StatAttack

10 – Afghanistan won 10 ODIs in the 18 games they played at the iconic Sharjah Stadium.

14 – Mohammad Nabi needs 14 runs to become the first Afghan cricketer to score 2,000 runs in ODIs. Mohammad Shahzad is also close to achieving this record, who needs 63 runs to breach 2,000 ODI runs.

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