After a whitewash in the recently concluded ODI series, Afghanistan would like to inflict another one on a hapless Zimbabwe side as the two teams square off in the 1st of 3 T20’s.
Match Preview
Afghanistan have clearly been the dominant force in the series so far and the result was for all to see in the ODI’s as they brushed aside Zimbabwe and collected crucial points in the world super league. They would like to carry the same form into the T20 series against Zimbabwe, who have been nothing but truly and wholly mediocre in what was a crucial series for them.
Team Preview.
The likes of Rahmat Shah, Hasmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan came together and hunted the hosts down in a pack with Rahmat being the top scorer in the ODI series. The T20 format isn’t new to the visitors and they will be keen to have some good match practice ahead of the T20 world cup later this year. Rashid khan will once again be raring to have a go, and after a terrific IPL this year, where he lifted his maiden trophy with the Gujarat titans, another series winning performance awaits him.
Zimbabwe on the other hand would want to go through the motions as quickly as possible unless they pull off a miracle. The likes of Sikandar Raza, Craig Ervine and WIlliam Madhervere can throw the kitchen sink and for them to come up against this Afghanistan side, they will have to be on top of their game.
Key player battles
Rashid Khan vs William Madhervere
The terrific leg spinner is up against the prolific Zimbabwe run scorer and the battle is an interesting one to watch as Rashid will look to contain while Madhervere will look to attack
Blessing Muzarbani vs Rahmanullah Gurbaaz
Came in as a net bowler in the IPL but didn’t get to play, yet it doesn’t take away the fact that Muzarbani is a good T20 bowler and he is up against a batsman who likes to blaze away at the top
Tendai Chatara vs Mohammad Nabi
Chatara is an under rated bowler while Nabi is a highly rated batsman. A riveting battle on the cards as the robust Afghan takes on the cunning Zimbabweian
Match Prediction
Though Zimbabwe are the strong side, Afghanistan are firm favorites to go 1-0 up as they have a strong balanced side.
Betting Tips
Afghanistan is predicted to be the winner of this match and the series as well. Readers have looked at the betting tips on individual players’ performances.
Rahmanullah Gurbaaz – The dashing opener is expected to be the top scorer in the game as he will look to blaze away at the top and get those quickfire runs
Hashmatullah Shahidi – The captain, who had a good outing in the ODI’s is predicted to be the top six hitter in tomorrow’s game
Rashid Khan – Well, no surprises here as the number 4 T20 bowler in the world will be the top wicket taker in the 1st T20
Predicted Playing XI :
Afghanistan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Zimbabwe
Innocent Kaia, Regis Chakabva (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara, Tanaka Chivanga, Blessing Muzarabani.
Match Details
Match : Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, 2022
Event : Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2022
Venue :Multan International Stadium, Multan
Date : 11th June 2022.
Time : 4:30 pm IST
Lotus Fair Prediction : Afghanistan is Lotus Fair’s Prediction To win