Afghanistan start as clear favourites against Zimbabwe in the second match of the UAE ODI Tri-Series, but Zimbabwe arrive with real confidence after their emphatic win over Bangladesh. Afghanistan’s stronger recent ODI record, superior spin resources and dominant head-to-head advantage make them the side to beat at Abu Dhabi.
The match is the first game of the tri-series for Afghanistan, while Zimbabwe already have two points after beating Bangladesh by 99 runs in the opener. All three teams play each other once before the top two meet in the final on 23 October.
The Zayed Cricket Stadium pitch offered something for both pace and spin in the tournament opener. Fast bowlers found early movement, spinners were able to extract slow turn, and batting became easier once players settled in.
The toss could be crucial. In the last eight ODIs at this venue, the team batting first has won seven times, so the captain winning the toss is likely to choose to bat first and post a competitive total under lights.
Abu Dhabi is expected to be hot and humid on match day, which could make conditions demanding for bowlers and fielders, particularly in the first half of the game. There is no major rain concern indicated in the available forecasts, so a full 50-over contest is expected.
AFG vs ZIM Match Details
- Match: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 2nd Match
- Series: UAE ODI Tri-Series 2026/27
- Date: Monday, 19 October 2026
- Time: 5:00 PM local time (GST), 6:30 PM IST
- Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
AFG vs ZIM Live Streaming Info
For the most reliable online option, Indian viewers should use JioHotstar, Pakistani viewers should check Tapmad, and fans in North America should use Willow TV.
- Bangladesh: Live on T Sports and Tapmad.
- Pakistan: Available on Tamasha and ARY Zap; selected local sports channels may also carry the match, subject to regional availability.
- Afghanistan: Live on Ariana TV and ATN Live; streaming available through the Etisalat app.
- Zimbabwe: Live on ZBC; online streaming available through the ZBC app and SuperSport Play.
- USA and Canada: Live on Willow by Cricbuzz through the Willow app and TrillerTV.
- UK and Ireland: Streaming availability is yet to be officially confirmed; check Willow/TrillerTV regional listings.
The AFG vs ZIM 1st ODI match will be live on T Sports.
Live Score Info:
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, ODI match 2026: ESPN and Cricbuzz have live scores.
For Afghanistan, this is an important chance to open their campaign strongly in a tournament they are hosting. They arrive after a 4-0 ODI series win in Ireland and a hard-fought Test draw against Bangladesh, so momentum and confidence are firmly with Hashmatullah Shahidi’s side.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have an early advantage in the table. Their 99-run win over Bangladesh has given them belief, and another victory would put them in a commanding position for a place in the final. However, they have not beaten Afghanistan in an ODI for eight years, which makes this fixture a major psychological test.
Current Form
Afghanistan’s last five completed ODIs read W-W-W-W-L, showing excellent white-ball consistency. Their batting has depth, their spin attack is among the best in associate and full-member cricket, and the return of Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Zadran makes them stronger.
Zimbabwe’s recent ODI form is W-L-L-L-L, but their win against Bangladesh was a major improvement. Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor steadied the innings after a poor start, while Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans made important breakthroughs with the ball.
Head-to-Head Record
Afghanistan have a strong historical advantage in ODIs against Zimbabwe.
| Record | Afghanistan | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|---|
| Matches played | 31 | 31 |
| Wins | 20 | 10 |
| No result | 1 | 1 |
Afghanistan have won 20 of the 31 completed ODI meetings, while Zimbabwe have 10 wins and one match ended without a result.
Last Five ODI Meetings
-
Afghanistan won by 8 wickets – 3rd ODI, Harare, 21 December 2024.
-
Afghanistan won by 232 runs – 2nd ODI, Harare, 19 December 2024.
-
No result – 1st ODI, Harare, 17 December 2024.
-
Afghanistan won by 8 wickets – 2022/23 ODI series.
-
Afghanistan won by 4 wickets – 2022/23 ODI series.
Zimbabwe’s lack of recent success against Afghanistan is one of the biggest talking points going into this game. Their last ODI win in this rivalry came eight years ago, and Afghanistan have since built a clear upper hand.
Afghanistan Team Analysis
Afghanistan’s biggest strength is their spin bowling. Rashid Khan remains the leader of the attack, Mohammad Nabi brings experience and control, and AM Ghazanfar has become a reliable wicket-taking option. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Yamin Ahmadzai are expected to share the new ball.
Their batting also looks settled. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran give them an aggressive but established opening partnership, while Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi add stability in the middle order. Azmatullah Omarzai and Nabi provide finishing power and useful bowling depth.
Afghanistan’s main concern could be handling pressure in a day-night chase if their top order fails early. But with Rashid, Nabi and Omarzai capable of contributing with both bat and ball, they have more match-winners than Zimbabwe.
Probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah (capt), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Yamin Ahmadzai.
Zimbabwe Team Analysis
Zimbabwe’s strength lies in their experienced core. Craig Ervine looked in excellent touch with 93 against Bangladesh, while Brendan Taylor showed his class during a crucial 150-run partnership with Ervine. Captain Sikandar Raza remains their most influential all-rounder and recently completed 100 ODI wickets.
Their bowling attack has genuine pace in Blessing Muzarabani, while Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza and Raza give the side variety. Against Afghanistan’s strong spin unit, Zimbabwe’s batters will need to use the sweep, reverse sweep and smart rotation of strike rather than relying only on power.
The weakness is consistency. Zimbabwe have lost four of their last five ODIs, and their young batting line-up can be vulnerable against high-quality wrist spin and disciplined left-arm pace. If Gurbaz and Ibrahim get going, Zimbabwe may struggle to contain the run rate.
Probable XI: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Brendan Taylor (wk), Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (capt), Wessley Madhevere, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani.
Key Players to Watch
Sediqullah Atal will be important for Afghanistan after his match-saving Test century against Bangladesh. He now needs to translate that patience into white-ball aggression against Zimbabwe’s attack.
Craig Ervine is Zimbabwe’s key batter. His ability to attack spin, especially through reverse sweeps, could decide how well Zimbabwe handle Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack.
Rashid Khan is the biggest match-winner on either side. His middle-overs control, wicket-taking ability and lower-order hitting make him central to Afghanistan’s chances.
Afghanistan should start as favourites. Their superior head-to-head record, better recent ODI form, stronger spin attack and the likely advantage of batting first at Abu Dhabi all point towards an Afghanistan win.
Zimbabwe can challenge if Ervine, Taylor or Raza bat deep and Muzarabani strikes early. However, unless their batters find a way to handle Rashid Khan and Nabi in the middle overs, Afghanistan’s all-round strength should prove too much.
Afghanistan to win, with the toss-winning captain likely to bat first and target a total around 280-plus at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.