ZIM vs AFG | 1st T20I | Preview, Prediction, Probable XI, CREX XI
Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are all set to lock horns against each other in a three-match T20I series, starting from Saturday at Harare. The two sides squared off in a three-match ODI series, where Afghanistan outplayed the hosts, emerging victorious by a scoreline of 3-0. The last ODI was a much closely fought contest, with the visitors coming home with a narrow four-wicket victory. The Asian side should certainly have the edge, moving forward to the shorter format. Afghanistan has named a star-studded side for the series, which will be led by all-rounder Mohammad Nabi. Mujeeb ur Rahman has been released from the squad, following his commitments for the English T20 Blast. Rashid Khan will spearhead the spin bowling department and should be expected to dominate the proceedings against Zimbabwe, who struggle against slower bowlers. On the other hand, Zimbabwe is certainly under the pump and will look to make a statement in the T20I series. The hosts will be led by Craig Ervine, who put on disappointing performances in the ODI series. The skipper could manage to score just 62 runs, at an average of 20.67. One of the positives for Zimbabwe was the performance of Sikandar Raza, who managed to score 145 runs in three matches at an average of 48.33. Afghanistan’s last T20I assignment came against Bangladesh, where the series ended on level terms. As for Zimbabwe, they recently clashed against their African counterparts, Namibia in a five-match T20I series. Zimbabwe ended on the losing side once again, with Namibia claiming a 3-2 series win. The pressure is evidently growing on Ervine to start delivering positive results for his side. Wesley Madhevere was the top run-getter in the five-match T20I series against Namibia, accumulating 163 runs in five innings at an average of 40.75. Raza impressed with the ball, having six scalps to his name in five matches at an average of 14.83. In terms of the head-to-head clashes, Afghanistan has predominantly had the better of its opponents. From their 12 meetings in the shortest format of the game, the Asian side has emerged victorious on 11 occasions. Match Details Match: Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, 1st T20I Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare Date & Time: June 11 at 6:30 PM IST Live Streaming: FanCode Pitch Report The pitch saw a couple of low-scoring encounters in the ODI series, which shows that it could favour the bowlers. Anything over 150 runs could well be a challenging total on this track. Head-To-Head Matches Played: 12 Zimbabwe: 1 Afghanistan: 11 Squads Zimbabwe: Wesley Madhevere, Innocent Kaia, Craig Ervine (c), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara, Tanaka Chivanga, Donald Tiripano, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Clive Madande, Ainsley Ndlovu, Luke Jongwe Afghanistan: Mohammad Nabi (c), Najibullah Zadran (vc), Afsar Zazai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Darwish Rasooli, Farid Ahmad Malik, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Hazratullah Zazai, Ihsanullah Janat, Karim Janat, Nijat Masoud, Noor Ahmad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Usman Ghani Probable Playing XI Zimbabwe: Wesley Madhevere, Innocent Kaia, Regis Chakabva (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Donald Tiripano, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara, Tanaka Chivanga Afghanistan: Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Najibullah Zadran, Usman Ghani, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi (c), Rashid Khan, Karim Janat, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad Malik CREX XI Suggestion Wicket-Keeper: Regis Chakabva, Rahmanullah Gurbaz Batters: Hazratullah Zazai, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, Craig Ervine All-Rounders: Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Nabi Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Fazalhaq Farooqi Captain: Rashid Khan Vice-Captain: Sikandar Raza
 "Vaibhav Tripathi")
