AFG vs ZIM 2nd ODI: Live Streaming, Match Prediction, Pitch Report Playing XI

Afghanistan will face Zimbabwe in the second match of the 2026 ODI Tri-Series at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday, October 19. Both teams will be eager to strengthen their chances of reaching the final, with Bangladesh completing the three-team competition.

Afghanistan enter the contest following their one-off Test against Bangladesh, while Zimbabwe will look to build on their winning start to the tournament. The match presents an important opportunity for Afghanistan to establish their dominance in the ODI tri-series and for Zimbabwe to maintain their early momentum.

Afghanistan have historically enjoyed the upper hand in this matchup, but Zimbabwe’s recent performance suggests they could provide a strong challenge. The contest is expected to feature an intriguing battle between Afghanistan’s spin attack and Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.

AFG vs ZIM Match Details

Afghanistan Team Overview

Afghanistan will rely on their experienced batting lineup and formidable spin attack to secure a positive result. Captain Rahmat Shah will lead a side featuring established international performers, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Mohammad Nabi.

Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran are likely to play important roles at the top of the order. Their ability to provide a solid start could allow the middle order to build a competitive total. Shahidi’s experience and Rahmat Shah’s composure will also be valuable if Afghanistan lose early wickets.

The bowling department is one of Afghanistan’s biggest strengths. Rashid Khan can trouble batters with his variations, while Mohammad Nabi offers control and experience in the middle overs. Azmatullah Omarzai and Fazalhaq Farooqi provide additional options with the ball.

Afghanistan’s best approach will be to build a strong platform with the bat before using their spinners to put pressure on Zimbabwe. They will also need to prevent Zimbabwe’s middle order from accelerating during the final overs.

Zimbabwe Team Overview

Zimbabwe will enter the match looking to continue their positive start to the tournament. Captain Sikandar Raza will be central to the team’s plans, offering experience as both a batter and a bowling option.

The batting lineup includes Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor. Their contributions will be important in ensuring that Zimbabwe can compete against Afghanistan’s varied bowling attack. Ervine’s experience could prove particularly valuable in managing the innings and building partnerships.

Zimbabwe also have a useful combination of pace and spin. Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans can provide wicket-taking options with the new ball, while Wellington Masakadza offers a left-arm spin option. Raza’s all-round abilities give the captain flexibility when managing the bowling attack.

Zimbabwe will aim to make the most of the powerplay, preserve wickets through the middle overs and accelerate late in the innings. Their bowlers must also prevent Afghanistan’s top order from settling into a comfortable rhythm.

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head ODI Record

Afghanistan have held the advantage in previous ODI meetings between the two teams.

Afghanistan’s record gives them a psychological advantage heading into this fixture. However, previous results do not guarantee another victory, and Zimbabwe will have an opportunity to narrow the gap with a strong performance.

Top Players to Watch

Rashid Khan — Afghanistan

Rashid Khan is one of Afghanistan’s most important match-winners. His leg-spin, variations and ability to take wickets in the middle overs could make life difficult for Zimbabwe’s batters. If the surface offers assistance to spin, his contribution could prove decisive.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz — Afghanistan

Gurbaz can give Afghanistan a flying start with his aggressive approach at the top of the order. His ability to score quickly in the powerplay could put Zimbabwe under immediate pressure and help establish the foundation for a competitive total.

Ibrahim Zadran — Afghanistan

Ibrahim Zadran provides a contrasting style to Gurbaz, with the ability to build an innings and bat for extended periods. His role will be particularly important if Afghanistan lose an early wicket or need someone to anchor the innings.

Sikandar Raza — Zimbabwe

Raza’s all-round skills make him a crucial figure for Zimbabwe. He can contribute with the bat, provide useful overs and influence the match through his leadership. Zimbabwe will need him to perform well in at least one discipline, and ideally both.

Craig Ervine — Zimbabwe

Ervine’s experience and ability to build partnerships could be essential against Afghanistan’s bowling attack. If he carries his form from the opening match into this contest, he could help Zimbabwe establish a strong batting platform.

Brad Evans — Zimbabwe

Evans is another player to watch, particularly with the ball. His pace and ability to challenge batters could be valuable against Afghanistan’s aggressive top order. Zimbabwe will look to him for breakthroughs at key stages.

Official Squads

Afghanistan ODI Squad

Rahmat Shah (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (vice-captain and wicketkeeper), Ikram Alikhil (wicketkeeper), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyalai Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Yamin Ahmadzai.

Travelling reserve: Qais Ahmad.

Zimbabwe ODI Squad

Sikandar Raza (captain), Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Ernest Masuku, Newman Nyamhuri, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza and Wessly Madhevere.

Probable Playing XIs

These are predicted combinations, not confirmed selections. The official playing XIs should be checked at the toss.

Afghanistan Probable Playing XI

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)

2. Ibrahim Zadran

3. Sediqullah Atal

4. Rahmat Shah (c)

5. Hashmatullah Shahidi

6. Azmatullah Omarzai

7. Mohammad Nabi

8. Rashid Khan

9. Nangyalai Khan

10. Fazalhaq Farooqi

11. Yamin Ahmadzai

Zimbabwe Probable Playing XI

1. Brian Bennett

2. Ben Curran

3. Brendan Taylor (wk)

4. Craig Ervine

5. Sikandar Raza (c)

6. Wessly Madhevere

7. Ryan Burl

8. Brad Evans

9. Wellington Masakadza

10. Newman Nyamhuri

11. Blessing Muzarabani

These selections are provisional. The final team combinations may change depending on conditions, tactical decisions and the players selected at the toss.

Zayed Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi is the venue for this encounter. However, a reliable, match-specific pitch assessment and verified current surface conditions could not be established from the available information.

Both teams will need to assess the surface before settling on their approach. Afghanistan could benefit from their spin options if the pitch offers grip, while Zimbabwe’s pace attack will look to exploit any early movement.

The toss could influence the decision between batting first and chasing, but there is not enough verified evidence to confidently declare one approach superior for this particular match.

AFG vs ZIM Live Streaming Details

The Afghanistan-Zimbabwe match is part of the 2026 ODI Tri-Series in the United Arab Emirates.

• Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

• India: FanCode is listed as the streaming platform in the supplied match details.

• Pakistan and other regions: A confirmed local TV broadcaster or streaming service could not be established from the available information.

Viewers should check their regional cricket broadcasters for the latest coverage details before the match. Match updates and related cricket coverage can also be found through CricTime.

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Match Prediction

Prediction: Afghanistan have a slight edge, but Zimbabwe can challenge them.

Afghanistan’s superior head-to-head record and the presence of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai give them a strong combination of spin, experience and all-round ability. Their batting lineup also has enough depth to compete if the top order provides a steady start.

Zimbabwe, however, have several experienced players who can change the course of the match. Sikandar Raza’s all-round contribution and the pace of Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans could make the contest competitive.

The team that handles the middle overs more effectively and avoids losing wickets in clusters will have a significant advantage.

Predicted winner: Afghanistan.