When and Where to watch Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, Live Streaming, Match Preview, Timings, and Pitch Report for 1st T20I

After a riveting Test series that resulted in a stalemate with both the teams winning a match apiece, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will lock horns in a three-match T20I series starting on 17th March 2021. The second and third games will be played on 19th and 20th March respectively. All the matches will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Zimbabwe is coming into the series on the back of 5 consecutive T20I losses, and will desperately be looking to reverse this trend. On the other hand, the Afghanistan side has had an excellent run in T20I cricket. The side has won 16 out of its last 20 T20Is, and they will also enter the series high on confidence after thrashing Zimbabwe in the second Test.

A number of Afghanistan players have also been dealing with some Visa issues, and as a result, the Asghar Afghan-led side will be missing the services of key players like Gulbadin Naib and Mujeeb ur Rahman.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium will be one where both the batsmen as well as the bowlers will be interested. Batsmen will have to bide their time on this surface to score big. The spinners might get some purchase once the match progresses.

Playing Combinations for AFG vs ZIM

Afghanistan

The Afghanistan side might open with Rahmatullah Gurbaz and Usman Ghani. The middle-order will consist of Karim Janat, skipper Asghar Afghan and all-rounder Mohammad Nabi. On the bowling front, apart from bowling sensation Rashid Khan, the Afghanistan side also has the likes of Fareed Ahmad Malik, Amir Hamza Hotak, and Naveen-ul-Haq.

Probable 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

For Zimbabwe, Kevin Kasuza will open the batting alongside either Tinashe Kamunhukamwe or Prince Masvaure. Skipper Sean Williams, Wesley Madhevere, and Sikandar Raza will occupy the No.3, No.4, and No.5 slots respectively. Regis Chakabva will don the wicket-keeping gloves. Also, the likes of Donald Tiripano, Richard Ngarava, and Blessing Muzarabani can send some jitters in the Afghanistan camp with the ball as well.

Probable 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

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head

Played – 9 | Afghanistan – 8 | Zimbabwe -1

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Broadcast Details

Match Timings: 3:30 PM (IST)

Live Streaming: FanCode