Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan: Afghanistan leads the series 1-0 after dominating Zimbabwe in the second ODI with a convincing victory. The washed-out opening match didn’t give much chance to either side, but Afghanistan showcased their superiority with a commanding win. Zimbabwe’s struggles continue across all departments—batting, bowling, and fielding. They need a strong performance to avoid a series defeat. Afghanistan, on the other hand, is aiming to clinch the series with a win in this final ODI before the Test series begins.

• Series: Afghanistan in Zimbabwe, 3 ODI Series, 2024
• Date & Time: Saturday, 21st December, 13:00
• Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Pitch Report

The pitch at Harare Sports Club offers some early movement for the pacers due to morning moisture. Zimbabwe’s top order struggled against the moving ball in the previous match, and early inroads could be key for Afghanistan. However, as the day progresses, the track becomes a better batting surface, making scoring easier. Spin bowlers like Rashid Khan could play a crucial role in the middle overs. The toss could prove crucial; historically, chasing sides have an advantage at Harare.

Pitch Stats

• Total Matches Played: 167
• Batting First Won: 81
• Batting Second Won: 85
• Tie: 1
• Avg. Score in 1st Innings: 237
• Highest Score: Zimbabwe 408/6
• Lowest Score: Zimbabwe 35/10
• Scoring Pattern:
  • Below 200: 39 matches
  • Between 200-249: 57 matches
  • Between 250-299: 54 matches
  • Above 300: 17 matches

Head to Head

• Total Matches: 19
• Afghanistan Wins: 10
• Zimbabwe Wins: 9

Lineup

• Zimbabwe:
  • Ben Curran
  • Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk)
  • Brian Bennett
  • Dion Myers
  • Craig Ervine (c)
  • Sean Williams
  • Sikandar Raza
  • Tinotenda Maposa
  • Newman Nyamhuri
  • Richard Ngarava
  • Trevor Gwandu
• Afghanistan:
  • Sediqullah Atal
  • Abdul Malik
  • Rahmat Shah
  • Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
  • Azmatullah Omarzai
  • Mohammad Nabi
  • Ikram Alikhil (wk)
  • Rashid Khan
  • Naveed Zadran
  • AM Ghazanfar
  • Fazalhaq Farooqi

Key Players to Watch

• Zimbabwe:
  • Craig Ervine – Has been a reliable performer but needs to anchor the innings if Zimbabwe wants to post a challenging total.
  • Richard Ngarava – Key bowler who needs to make early breakthroughs.
• Afghanistan:
  • Sediqullah Atal – Youngster who has been in sensational form and could play a big role in this match.
  • AM Ghazanfar – Leading wicket-taker for Afghanistan, his control and economy could be crucial.
  • Rashid Khan – Despite not featuring in the series yet, his presence adds another dimension to Afghanistan’s bowling attack.

Prediction

Afghanistan looks set to clinch the series with a strong squad and consistent performances. Zimbabwe will need to put up a strong fight to avoid a whitewash, but given their recent struggles, Afghanistan remains the favorites to win this final encounter.