AFG vs ZIM 2026: First Test match preview

Afghanistan take on Zimbabwe in the first Test at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, starting on Thursday, November 5.

Rahmat Shah is going to lead the Blue Tigers. On the other hand, Zimbabwe are set to have Brian Bennett as their skipper in the absence of the injured Richard Ngarava.. The T20I series between these two sides turned out to be a lopsided affair. Afghanistan won all three games after recoving from precarious situations in the first two.

Zimbabwe have retained most of the players who registered a magnificent victory in the Test match in Harare in June against Bangladesh by 85 runs. Meanwhile, Graeme Cremer could be playing his first Test match since December 2017. Meanwhile, Antum Naqvi has finally got eligibility clearance and is in line to make his long-awaited Zimbabwe debut.

On the other hand, keep an eye on Bashir Ahmad for Afghanistan. There are new inclusions in Ziaur Rahman Sharifi and Sharafuddin Ashraf. Leg-spinner Khalil Gurbaz has also been recalled but Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Zadran continue to be rested.

Apart from Rahmat, the batting duties will fall on Sediqullah Atal and Hashmatullah Sahidi. While the former can play aggressively, Shahidi is known for his ability to play the long innings. Afghanistan haven't played a Test match since June.

AFG vs ZIM: Match Details

Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah Pitch Report

The pitch at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium is expected to be dry, slow and low. Winning the toss and batting first could be the better option as the conditions will get tougher as the game rolls on. Posting a big score in the first innings will be very crucial. Spinners are expected to play a key role.

AFG vs ZIM: Head-to-Head Record in Tests

AFG vs ZIM: Predicted Playing 11s

Afghanistan

Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah (C), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ikram Alikhil, Afsar Zazai (WK), Rahmanullah/Ismat Alam, Zia-ur-Rehman, Qais Ahmad, Yamin Ahmadzai, Mohammad Saleem Safi.

Zimbabwe

Brian Bennett (C), Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Tafadzwa Tsiga (WK), Antum Naqvi/Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani, Newmand Nyamhuri.