After a solid run chase in the 1st T20, Afghanistan will look to seal the series when they lock horns with Zimbabwe in the 2nd T20 at the same venue with not much time gap between the two games.
Match Preview
Electing to bat first after they won the toss, Zimbabwe lost Innocent Kaia early, and that stalled the momentum as new comer Nijat Masood picked up 3 wickets to stop the hosts from getting away. Sikandar Raza struck a terrific cameo to help the hosts reach 159, as 35 runs came in the last 3 overs.
In the run chase, Hazratullah Zazai and Najibubullah Zadran chipped in with useful 40’s as the visitors registered their 4th win on the trot in the LOI series. They would want one more win in the series to ensure complete domination.
Team Preview
Afghanistan were as clinical in the run chase as they didnt feel the need to press the panic button as Rahmanullah Gurbaaz, Zadran and Zazai polished off the run chase with ease. The bowling was terrific too as Nabi, Rashid and Masood kept the Zimbabwe innings in check. They wouldn’t want to waste time and wrap this one as comprehensively and pocket the series.
The hosts on the other hand, had their moments, but did not capitalize them enough. Even after 35 runs in the last 3 overs, they only got to 159 and bowled poorly to let Afghanistan take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Key player battles
Rashid Khan vs Innocent Kaia
After he wrapped up Madhervere in the first innings, Rashid would like to target the other opener, Innocent Kaia and nip him in the bud again.
Tendai Chatara vs Najibullah Zadran
Najib took on all the bowlers with ease in the first game, and it would take a bowler like Chatara to stop him from blazing away.
Donald Tiripano vs Mohammad Nabi
Tiripano would like to stop Mohammad Nabi from getting away as the captain looks for a big one in the second game and help the Afghans seal the series
Match Prediction
Though Zimbabwe fought well, Afghanistan are firm favorites to go 2-0 up as they showed what a clinical win looked like.
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.
Najibullah Zadran – After a match winning knock in the first game, an encore is expected from the stylish southpaw.
Mohammad Nabi – The captain will look to score more than a cameo as he is more than just a handy all rounder
Rashid Khan – Well, no surprises here as he took just one wicket in the last T20 and would like to add more to his tally.
Predicted Playing XI :
Afghanistan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Usman Ghani, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Nijat Masood
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, 2nd T20,n2022
Event : Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2022
Venue :Harare Sports Club, Harare
Date : 12th June 2022.
Time : 4:30 pm IST
Lotus Fair Prediction : Afghanistan is Lotus Fair’s Prediction To win