Harare Sports Club Pitch Report For Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I

Debashis Sarangi

Harare Sports Club [Source: [Source: @Merovaeous/X]Harare Sports Club [Source: [Source: @Merovaeous/X]

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This evening, Zimbabwe will take on Afghanistan in the final T20I of the ongoing three-match series at the iconic Harare Sports Club in Harare. With the series levelled at one-all, we expect a cracking battle at the historic venue for the coveted trophy. 

The hosts had a fabulous start to the series, securing a four-wicket victory in a thrilling opening clash. However, the visitors bounced back in style, thrashing their opponents by 50 runs in the subsequent encounter. 

So, considering how the teams have fared so far, we believe a cracking contest is on the cards in the decider. Before the game begins, let's see how the surface at Harare Sports Club will behave throughout the contest. 

Harare Sports Club Stats And Records In T20Is

Criterion
Data
Matches Played57
Matches won batting 1st34
Matches won bowling 1st22
Average 1st innings score153
Average 2nd innings score133


Harare Sports Club Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

As the third T20I is scheduled on the very next day of the second match, there's a huge possibility that the same strip will be reused this evening. If that's the case, expect a dry wicket with some help for the spinners for the third T20I between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. 

So, the conditions will likely be challenging for the batters, especially in the second half. So, the batters must capitalise on the hard new ball to score some brisk runs in the powerplay. As the ball gets older and softer, the spinners will come into play in the middle overs. Furthermore, fast bowlers like Naveen-ul-Haq, who can bowl those cutters and hit the hard length, will be effective as the game goes on. Considering the playing conditions and overall record at this venue, it should be a no-brainer for the toss-winning team to bat first. 

Players To Watch Out For At Harare Sports Club

Rashid Khan

  • The experienced Afghan spinner has had a great series, scalping five wickets in two outings. He has utilised the playing conditions in his favour and will once again be on focus in the third T20I. 

Naveen-ul-Haq

  • Afghanistan's veteran pacer Naveen-ul-Haq has been superb with the ball in this series, bagging six wickets in two matches. The fast bowler has been able to keep the Zimbabwean batters on their toes and could be the visitors' wrecker-in-chief in this game. 

Sikandar Raza

  • Zimbabwe's captain Sikandar Raza has been the most prolific all-rounder for his side. Apart from scoring crucial runs lower down the order, Raza's ability to strike at crucial junctures with his wily spin bowling makes him a valuable player.