Afghanistan will take on Zimbabwe in the second T20I of their three-match series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Afghanistan lead the series 1-0 after winning the opening match by 37 runs and will aim to secure the series with another victory. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will look to bounce back and keep the contest alive ahead of the final T20I.
In the first match, Afghanistan posted 177 before bowling Zimbabwe out for 140. Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai scored a maiden T20I half-century, while Rashid Khan contributed with both bat and ball. Fazalhaq Farooqi led the bowling effort with three wickets as Afghanistan took control of the series.
The second match is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM local time in Sharjah, which is 7:30 PM Pakistan time and 8:00 PM Indian time. Fans can follow the latest Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe cricket updates throughout the series.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I: Match Details
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 2nd T20I |
| Series | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe T20I Series 2026 |
| Date | October 29, 2026 |
| Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah |
| Start Time | 6:30 PM local time |
| Pakistan Time | 7:30 PM PKT |
| India Time | 8:00 PM IST |
| Format | T20 International |
| Afghanistan Captain | Ibrahim Zadran |
| Zimbabwe Captain | Sikandar Raza |
| Series Score | Afghanistan lead 1-0 |
Team Preview: Afghanistan
Afghanistan enter the second T20I with momentum after their convincing win in the opening match. Their batting lineup showed it could produce valuable contributions from different positions, while the bowling attack once again demonstrated its strength in the shorter format.
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai impressed with 52 runs, while Shahidullah Kamal added 46. Rashid Khan’s quick 30 also helped Afghanistan reach a competitive total. The hosts will hope Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal can provide a stronger contribution at the top of the order in the second game.
Afghanistan’s biggest advantage remains their bowling attack. Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman offer quality spin options, while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai can trouble batters with pace and movement.
With a 1-0 lead, Afghanistan will be keen to maintain their intensity and finish the series early. Another disciplined performance with both bat and ball could put them in a strong position.
Team Preview: Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe face a must-win contest after their batting lineup struggled in the first T20I. Chasing 178, the visitors were dismissed for 140, leaving them 37 runs short of the target. They will need a more composed batting performance to level the series.
Captain Sikandar Raza remains central to Zimbabwe’s hopes, offering experience and all-round ability. Brian Bennett, Ben Curran and Tadiwanashe Marumani will be important in the top order, while Ryan Burl and Wessly Madhevere can provide support through the middle overs.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers will also need to improve after Afghanistan managed to reach 177 in the opening game. Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans can provide pace, while Wellington Masakadza offers a spin option.
Zimbabwe have the talent to make the contest competitive, but they must avoid losing wickets in clusters and find a way to contain Afghanistan’s spin attack.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I: Probable Playing XIs
Afghanistan Predicted XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (c), Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Shahidullah Kamal, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Mohammad Akram, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Zimbabwe Predicted XI: Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani.
Pitch Report: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Sharjah Cricket Stadium is known for its relatively short boundaries, which can reward batters who find their timing and clear the infield. However, the surface can also assist spinners, particularly when they vary their pace and make batters generate their own power.
Afghanistan could benefit from the conditions because they have several quality spin options, including Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Zimbabwe will need to rotate the strike effectively and avoid allowing the spinners to dictate the middle overs.
The toss may influence the approach, with both sides likely to assess the surface before deciding whether to bat first or chase. A competitive total will depend on the pitch conditions on match day.
Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
Afghanistan have historically dominated this matchup in T20 internationals. Available ICC head-to-head figures list Afghanistan with 19 wins against Zimbabwe’s two, with no tied matches or no-results in that record.
Afghanistan will aim to extend their advantage, while Zimbabwe will be looking to produce a much-improved performance and challenge the hosts in the second match.
Players to Watch
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): Rashid contributed 30 runs and took two wickets in the first T20I. His ability to influence the game with both bat and ball makes him a major threat.
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai (Afghanistan): His maiden T20I half-century in the opening match helped Afghanistan post a competitive total. Another useful innings would strengthen the hosts’ batting effort.
Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe): The Zimbabwe captain is one of his side’s most important all-rounders. His contribution with the bat and ball could be crucial if the visitors are to level the series.
Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe): Bennett’s performance at the top of the order will be important as Zimbabwe look to build a stronger platform and avoid another batting collapse.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I Live Streaming
The match begins on October 29 at 6:30 PM local time in Sharjah.
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Pakistan: A Sports on television; Tamasha for live streaming.
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Afghanistan: Ariana Television; streaming on the Etisalat app.
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India: FanCode.
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USA and Canada: Willow TV and Willow by Cricbuzz.
Viewers should check their local provider’s match listing for availability and subscription requirements.
Fans can also follow cricket news and match coverage during the second T20I.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win the 2nd T20I?
Afghanistan will enter the match with confidence after winning the opening game by 37 runs. Their combination of experienced batters, quality spinners and effective fast bowlers gives them several ways to control the contest.
Zimbabwe have the individual talent to respond, but their batting needs to show greater consistency. A stronger start in the powerplay and a more disciplined bowling performance will be essential if they want to level the series.
Prediction: Afghanistan are favourites to win the second T20I and seal the series 2-0. Zimbabwe could make the contest closer if their top order delivers, but Afghanistan’s bowling depth gives them a significant advantage.
