When and Where to watch Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, Live Streaming, Match Preview, Timings, and Pitch Report for 2nd T20I

Having won the first T20I by 48 runs, Afghanistan would be aiming to seal the series when they lock horns with Zimbabwe in the second encounter of the three-match series. The match will be played on March 19, 2021, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Zimbabwe will be under tremendous pressure going into this match as they have lost six back to back matches in the T20I format. 

Afghanistan, on the other hand, had a dominant performance in the previous match. From the very onset, they looked like the better side on the field. The opening partnership between Karim Janat and Rahmanullah Gurbaz set the tone for a fantastic total. When Janat got out, the latter formed another brilliant partnership with the captain Asghar Afghan to take the side’s total beyond Zimbabwe’s reach. 

Afghan ended with a 38-ball 55, while Gurbaz scored 87 runs off just 45 balls. Once a total of 198 was reached, it was always going to be difficult for Zimbabwe to chase it down. Eventually, the bowlers tighten their screws on them, not allowing them to score freely. Star spinner Rashid Khan was at his best again, picking up three wickets for just 28 runs in his four overs. 

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium played really well in the first innings of the previous game. The ball came on to the bat really well. But as the match progressed, it became difficult for the batsmen to find their timing perfectly. It would be interesting to see how it plays in the second match. 

Playing Combinations for AFG vs ZIM

Afghanistan

Afghanistan opted for the opening pair of Karim Janat and Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the first match. Having got the desired results, they are likely to continue with the same combination. The rest of the side doesn’t need to be tinkered with having won the first match. 

Probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Karim Janat, Usman Ghani, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan (c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Amir Hamza, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fareed Malik

Zimbabwe

The pace trio of Richard Ngarava, Donald Tiripano and Blessing Muzarabani was quite expensive in the first match. This could force captain Sean Williams to replace one of them with Victor Nyauchi, who had shown his skills during the Tests. It would be harsh nevertheless, but with the series on the line, this is totally possibly. 

Probable XI: Tarisai Musakanda, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Sean Williams (c), Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Richmond Mutumbami (wk), Ryan Burl, Donald Tiripano, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava/Victor Nyauchi

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head

Played – 10 | Afghanistan – 9 | Zimbabwe -1

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Broadcast Details

Match Timings: 3:30 PM (IST)

Live Streaming: FanCode