AFG vs ZIM, 1st T20I – Fan2Play Fantasy Cricket Tips, Prediction, Playing XI and Pitch Report

Match Details

The first of the three-match T20I series between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on 17th March 2021. 

The match will start at 3:30 PM IST (2:00 PM local time). The live streaming of the game will be available on the Fan code app.

Preview 

After the Test series, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will now compete in the three-match T20I series. Even though Zimbabwe exceeded expectations in the Test series with their spirited performances, knocking over Afghanistan in the shortest format won’t be that easy. With Mohammad Nabi returning to the side for the T20Is, Afghanistan’s morale will be lifted and enriching them with experience. 

In the nine T20Is played between these two teams, Afghanistan has won eight of them. They are even ranked at the ninth position on ICC T20I rankings, three places ahead of Zimbabwe. But, Zimbabwe has been known to surprise opposition at times, like the way they had outperformed Afghanistan in the first Test in all three disciplines. 

A lot will depend on experienced players like captain Sean Williams, who was an incredible form in the two Tests and Sikandar Raza, who played the supporting role a couple of times. Afghanistan will start as favourites based on the past records, but Zimbabwe can definitely pack a punch in these three matches. 

Probable Playing XIs

Afghanistan

Predicted XI: Rahmatullah Gurbaz (WK), Usman Ghani/Ibrahim Zadran, Karim Janat, Asghar Afghan (C), Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Amir Hamza Hotak, Rashid Khan, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Naveen-ul-Haq

Zimbabwe

Predicted XI: Tinashe Kamunhukamwe/Prince Masvaure, Kevin Kasuza, Sean Williams (C), Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva (WK), Donald Tiripano, Wellington Masakadza/Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani  

Captaincy picks: 

Rashid Khan:

Rashid Khan is arguably the best T20 player which Afghanistan possesses. After losing the first Test, Afghanistan came back into the Test series with a brilliant 11-wicket haul by Rashid. His bowling is as important as his batting during the late stages of the innings when he can come and get boundaries from the very first ball. He has 89 wickets in 48 T20Is and bats at a strike rate of over 125. 

Sikandar Raza: 

Among all the players in the Zimbabwe team, Raza is one player who has played T20 franchise leagues. His T20I numbers might not represent the impact that he can create with the bat and sometimes with the ball as well. He is someone who provides the right balance to this T20I side and his experience only increases the chance of a Zimbabwe victory. 

Fan2Play Fantasy Cricket Tips

2-Player Team

Rashid Khan (C), Sean Williams

3-Player Team

Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (C), Sikandar Raza

4-Player Team

Asghar Afghan, Rashid Khan, Sikandar Raza (C), Wesley Madhevere

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.