AFG vs ZIM 2024-25 Top Prediction for an Exciting Clash Today
ZIM vs AFG Match Prediction & Analysis
Zimbabwe cricket team will face Afghanistan in the opening match of the Test series played at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, starting from 26th December. This highly anticipated cricket fixture marks an important chapter in both teams’ Test cricket journeys.
After losing the T20I and ODI series against Afghanistan cricket team, host Zimbabwe cricket team will be looking to turn things around in red-ball cricket. Skipper Craig Ervine will be hoping that the side can deliver the goods with bat and ball in this fixture. The home advantage could prove crucial as Zimbabwe’s players are well-acquainted with the conditions at Queens Sports Club. On the other hand, Afghanistan cricket team will be keen to continue their winning momentum after comfortably brushing aside Zimbabwe cricketteam in the T20I and ODI series, showcasing their growing prowess in international cricket.
In 2021, Zimbabwe cricket team managed to draw the two-match Test series against Afghanistan cricket team, demonstrating their ability to compete effectively in the longest format of the game. This historical context adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming series.
TEAMS PREVIEW
Zimbabwe Preview
In the batting department, the side will be relying on the likes of Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Joyland Gumbie, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza, and Tadiwanashe Marumani to do the bulk of the scoring. Each of these batsmen brings unique strengths to the team, with Williams and Raza particularly known for their ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed.
In the bowling department, the side will be depending on the likes of Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Brandon Mavuta, and Trevor Gwandu to deliver timely breakthroughs. Muzarabani’s pace and Raza’s spin variations could prove crucial on the Bulawayo pitch, which traditionally offers something for both pacers and spinners.
Zimbabwe Predicted Playing XI:
Craig Ervine (c), Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sean Williams, Joyland Gumbie, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Brandon Mavuta, Trevor Gwandu, Richard Ngarava, and Blessing Muzarabani.
Afghanistan Preview
Sediqullah Atal, Bahir Shah, Riaz Hussain, and Zahir Shahzad are four uncapped players picked by Afghanistan cricket team for the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe cricket team, highlighting the team’s focus on nurturing new talent while maintaining their competitive edge in Test cricket.
In the batting department, the side will be relying on the likes of Rahmat Shah, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, Sediqullah Atal, Rashid Khan, Ikram Alikhil, and Azmatullah Omarzai to do the bulk of the scoring. The batting lineup combines experience with youthful energy, promising an interesting dynamic in their approach.
Since 2021, Rahmat Shah has topped the batting charts for Afghanistan cricket team in Test format. In three matches, Rahmat Shah has accumulated 193 runs at an average of 32.16 with two half-centuries to his name. His consistent performances make him a key player to watch in this series.
In the bowling department, the side will be relying on the likes of Yasmin Ahmadzai, Rashid Khan, Naveed Zadran, Fareed Malik, and Zahir Khan to deliver timely breakthroughs. The presence of world-class spinner Rashid Khan adds significant strength to their bowling attack, while the pace duo of Ahmadzai and Zadran provides valuable support.
Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Riaz Hussain, Sediqullah Atal, Rashid Khan, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Zahir Khan, Yasmin Ahmadzai, Zia-ur-Rehman, Naveed Zadran, and Fareed Malik.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
| Time | Temp | Rain | Wind Speed | Wind Direction | Clouds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00h | 18° | 0 mm | 4.0 k/h | From: ESE | 98% |
| 03h | 18° | 0 mm | 4.4 k/h | From: E | 87% |
| 06h | 21° | 0 mm | 5.2 k/h | From: E | 88% |
| 09h | 23° | 0.5 mm | 3.4 k/h | From: E | 89% |
| 12h | 23° | 1.7 mm | 3.0 k/h | From: ESE | 93% |
| 15h | 22° | 2.5 mm | 1.6 k/h | From: ESE | 93% |
| 18h | 20° | 3.8 mm | 3.9 k/h | From: ESE | 95% |
| 21h | 19° | 0 mm | 3.3 k/h | From: ESE | 100% |
Weather Conditions
The Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo has historically been a venue where Test cricket produces competitive matches with an average first innings score hovering around 300 runs. However, the weather forecast for this crucial Zimbabwe-Afghanistan cricket Test match presents significant challenges for both teams. Meteorological predictions indicate persistent thundery showers across all five days of the match, which could significantly impact playing conditions and potentially lead to frequent interruptions in play. The humidity levels are expected to remain high, which could assist the swing bowlers, particularly during the morning sessions.
ZIM vs AFG Pitch Report
The historic Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, which has been a cornerstone of Zimbabwe cricket team for decades, is set to host the opening Test of this compelling series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. The pitch traditionally offers a good balance between bat and ball, with the surface typically starting firm but gradually developing variable bounce as the match progresses. The outfield, known for its excellence, facilitates good value for shots, though the predicted rainfall could affect its pace and make fielding challenging.
Toss: To Bowl
The statistical analysis of matches at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo presents a compelling case for bowling first. Out of the 25 Test matches played at this venue, teams choosing to bowl first have emerged victorious in 12 encounters, establishing a clear pattern that both captains will be keen to consider. This trend can be attributed to the pitch’s tendency to offer early morning assistance to pace bowlers, particularly under overcast conditions. The predicted weather conditions, with their high humidity levels and cloud cover, further strengthen the case for bowling first. Both Craig Ervine and Hashmatullah Shahidi will be eager to win the toss and exploit these favorable bowling conditions in the crucial early hours of the Test match.
ZIM vs AFG Winning Prediction
ZIM vs AFG Win Probability
ZIM 31%
AFG 69%
Afghanistan cricket team enters this Test match as the favorites, riding on their recent success and the impressive form of their key players. The team’s balanced combination of experienced campaigners and emerging talents positions them strongly for this encounter. The presence of world-class spinner Rashid Khan, who has consistently troubled batsmen in all formats of cricket, provides them with a significant advantage. The leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi, combined with the batting prowess of Rahmat Shah and the all-round capabilities of their pace attack, makes Afghanistan team a formidable unit.
While Zimbabwe cricket team will fight hard on their home turf, Afghanistan’s recent form and balanced team composition suggest they are likely to secure a hard-fought victory in this series opener at Bulawayo. However, the weather conditions could play a crucial role in determining the final outcome of this intriguing Test match.
