T20I Tri-series 2019, Match 2, Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Afghanistan has emerged as a lethal side in the T20 format over the years. Coming into the tri-series, they have won a stunning 10 out of their 11 matches versus Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Rashid Khan and Co will play their opening contest against Zimbabwe, whom they have beaten in all seven T20 encounters. The match will take place at the popular Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur.

Zimbabwe put up a spirited show in their first game, giving the Tigers a run for their money. But Hamilton Masakadza and Co couldn’t close out the game after exerting pressure on the opposition and lost by three wickets. Ryan Burl put up an all-round show and his efforts went in vain. Against the Afghans, Zimbabwe will be up against a strong spin-attack and an explosive batting lineup.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch isn’t expected to be a belter with spinners getting a fair bit out of it. But there are predictions of rain around 5 PM and it could make batting a little easier. There could also be a delay due to the downpour. With another chance of a shortened game, it would be safe to field first and chase down whatever the opposition sets for them. The temperature will be around 28 degrees.

Team Combinations

Afghanistan

Hazratullah Zazai has a T20I strike-rate of 192.85 with an average of 75.60. Earlier this year, he got an unbeaten 162 versus Ireland. The focus will on the 21-year-old swashbuckler. Najeeb Tarakai is likely to open the batting with him. The middle order has the experience of Nabi and Afghan.

Najibullah, Gulbadin and Shafiq can also play the big shots without much fuss. Not to undermine Rashid Khan’s ability to smack the leather. The spin-trio of Rashid, Mujeeb and Nabi will have their task cut out. Dawlat Zadran and Karim Janat are likely to be the fast bowling options in the lineup.

Probable XI

Hazratullah Zazai, Najeeb Tarakai, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Shafiqullah Shafiq (wk), Rashid Khan (C), Karim Janat, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Dawlat Zadran

Zimbabwe

Despite the defeat, Zimbabwe may not make any changes for the upcoming match. Skipper Hamilton Masakadza and Ryan Burl were massive positives for the team. But now the likes of Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine and Sean Williams need to get amongst the runs quickly, being the senior players.

In the bowling department, Kyle Jarvis and Tendai Chatara were outstanding in their opening spells. But the duo would’ve been disappointed for not finishing things off in a clinical manner. Madziva was their standout bowler with two wickets and an economy of 6.82. Burl bowled well as well.

Probable XI

Hamilton Masakadza (C), Brendan Taylor (wk), Craig Ervine, Ryan Burl, Sean Williams, Timycen Maruma, Tinotenda Mutumbodzi, Tony Munyonga, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Neville Madziva

Probable Top Performers

Hazratullah Zazai – Afghanistan| Hamilton Masakadza – Zimbabwe

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports Select 2

Online– Hotstar

Match Timings – 18:00 IST and 18:30 local

The prediction is for Afghanistan to win the match.