Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Match Preview

==============================================

Match Details

• Date: Tuesday, 17 December 2024
• Time: 07:30 GMT
• Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Match Prediction

The first ODI match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan is expected to be a closely contested encounter. Both teams have a good mix of experienced players and young talent, and it's difficult to predict a clear winner.

However, based on recent form and head-to-head records, Afghanistan might have a slight edge over Zimbabwe. Afghanistan has won 18 out of 28 matches against Zimbabwe, and they have been in good form in recent times.

If Zimbabwe bats first, they might score around 260-270 runs, which could be a competitive total on the Harare Sports Club pitch. However, Afghanistan's strong batting lineup and experienced bowlers might give them an advantage in chasing down the target.

On the other hand, if Afghanistan bats first, they might score around 280-290 runs, which could be a challenging total for Zimbabwe to chase. Zimbabwe's batting lineup has been inconsistent in recent times, and they might struggle to chase down a big total.

Predicted XIs

Zimbabwe Predicted XI

• Tadiwanashe Marumani
• Brian Bennett
• Dion Myers
• Craig Ervine (C)
• Sean Williams
• Tashinga Musekiwa
• Sikandar Raza
• Richard Ngarava
• B Muzarabani
• WP Masakadza
• J Gumbie (wk)

Afghanistan Predicted XI

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
• Rahmat Shah
• Mohammad Nabi
• Azmatullah Omarzai
• Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
• Gulbadin Naib
• Rashid Khan
• Farid Malik
• Mujeeb Ur Rahman
• Abdul Malik
• Allah Mohammad

Head-to-Head in ODI

• Total Matches Played: 28
• ZIM Won: 10
• AFG Won: 18
• No Result: 0
• Tied: 0

Pitch Report

The Harare Sports Club pitch is expected to be a balanced track, with something in it for both batsmen and bowlers. The average first innings score at this venue is around 230, and teams batting first have won 89 out of 198 matches.

The pitch might offer some assistance to spinners, and Afghanistan's experienced spinners like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman might play a crucial role in the match.

Weather Conditions

The weather forecast for the match suggests light rain showers in the first half of the match. However, the rain is not expected to affect the match significantly, and a full 50-over game is expected.

Toss Prediction

The toss might play a crucial role in the match, and the team winning the toss might opt to bowl first. However, the decision to bat or bowl first will depend on the team's strategy and the conditions on the day.

Fantasy Cricket Tips

• Rashid Khan and Sikandar Raza are expected to be the top fantasy picks for the match.
• Hashmatullah Shahidi and Craig Ervine are also expected to be among the top fantasy picks.
• Azmatullah Omarzai and Sean Williams might be good options for all-rounders.
• Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Richard Ngarava might be good options for bowlers.

Dream11 Team

• Captain: Rashid Khan
• Vice-Captain: Sikandar Raza
• Wicket-Keeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
• Batsmen: Hashmatullah Shahidi, Craig Ervine, Rahmat Shah
• All-Rounders: Azmatullah Omarzai, Sean Williams
• Bowlers: Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Richard Ngarava, Farid Malik