ZIM vs AFG 2nd ODI Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

ZIM vs AFG 2nd ODI Preview [Source: @ACBofficials/x.com]

After the first ODI between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan was washed out due to rain, both teams will be eager to hit the ground running in the second match at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday, December 19. With the series still up for grabs, this clash promises to be a cracker.

ZIM vs AFG 2nd ODI: Match Details And Live Streaming

ZIM vs AFG 2nd ODI Preview: Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s recent form has been a mixed bag. They pulled off a stunning win in an ODI over Pakistan last month, but consistency has been their Achilles’ heel. A 1-2 series loss to Pakistan and an earlier 0-2 defeat against Sri Lanka have left Craig Ervine and his men desperate for a turnaround.

In the rain-hit first ODI, Zimbabwe’s top-order collapse was a tale of woe. Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, and Sean Williams all fell like ninepins and left the team reeling at 44/5 in just 9.2 overs. If they’re going to trouble Afghanistan, the batters will need to step up and put runs on the board.

Home conditions will be key, and Zimbabwe knows the Harare pitch like the back of their hand. If the likes of Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl can fire, Afghanistan might find themselves in a dogfight.

ZIM vs AFG 2nd ODI Preview: Afghanistan

On the other hand, Afghanistan has been riding high in ODIs. They’ve claimed back-to-back 2-1 series wins against heavyweights South Africa and Bangladesh, proving they’re a team on the rise. For them, this series is more than just another bilateral—it’s a chance to fine-tune their game ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Under Hashmatullah Shahidi’s captaincy and with Rahmat Shah as his deputy, the Afghan side boasts a white-ball lineup packed with match-winners.

Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Fazalhaq Farooqi bring the firepower, while their fast bowlers led by Azmatullah Omarzai will look to exploit Harare’s pace and bounce. With the bowlers likely to dominate the middle overs, Afghanistan’s balance might give them the edge.

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ZIM vs AFG 2nd ODI Pitch Report: How Will Harare Surface Behave?

The Harare surface has something for everyone- pace and bounce for the quicks, and enough grip to keep the spinners interested. The last few matches here have seen an average first innings score of just 212, so runs won’t come easy. Winning the toss and fielding first seems to be the way to go, especially with some early movement on offer for the new-ball bowlers.

ZIM vs AFG 2nd ODI: Key Players And Stats

• Joylord Gumbie: 189 runs in the last 8 matches, Average: 23.63, SR: 65.17
• Craig Ervine: 158 runs in the last 7 matches, Average: 26.33, SR: 70.22
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 522 runs in the last 9 matches, Average: 58, SR: 91.73
• Azmatullah Omarzai: 260 runs in the last 10 matches, Average: 43.33, SR: 100.38
• Richard Ngarava: 11 wickets in the last 7 matches, ER: 4.89
• Blessing Muzarabani: 9 wickets in the last 8 matches, ER: 4.83
• AM Ghazanfar: 13 wickets in the last 9 matches, ER: 4.3
• Rashid Khan: 12 wickets in the last 5 matches, ER: 3.27

ZIM vs AFG 2nd ODI: Probable Playing XIs

Zimbabwe Probable XI: Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

Afghanistan Probable XI: Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Rashid Khan, , AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran

ZIM vs AFG 2nd ODI: Winner Prediction

Considering the current ODI form and overall team composition, Afghanistan starts as favourites to win this clash.

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