Afghanistan will face Zimbabwe in the third and final T20I of their series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Afghanistan have already secured the series with victories in the first two matches and will now aim to complete a 3-0 clean sweep. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will be looking to finish the tour’s T20I leg with a consolation win.
Afghanistan won the opening match by 37 runs before securing a 19-run victory in the second T20I. The second game produced an exciting batting contest, with Afghanistan posting 221/7 and Zimbabwe responding with 202/5. Azmatullah Omarzai’s century was a major highlight as Afghanistan maintained their winning momentum.
The third match gives Zimbabwe one final opportunity to challenge the hosts, while Afghanistan will look to address a few weaknesses before their upcoming two-Test series.
The match is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM UAE time, which is 7:30 PM Pakistan time and 8:00 PM Indian time.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 3rd T20I: Match Details
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 3rd T20I |
| Series | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe T20I Series 2026 |
| Date | November 1, 2026 |
| Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah |
| Start Time | 6:30 PM UAE 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 2-0 |
Team Preview: Afghanistan
Afghanistan have been the stronger side in the series, winning both matches through important contributions from their batting and bowling units. However, their top order has not been entirely consistent, and the team will want a better start in the final game.
Azmatullah Omarzai has been the standout performer, producing a match-winning century in the second T20I. Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai and Shahidullah Kamal have also contributed with the bat, while Rashid Khan continues to provide experience and control.
The bowling attack remains Afghanistan’s biggest strength. Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman offer quality spin options, while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmad provide pace. Omarzai’s all-round ability gives the team further flexibility.
With the series already won, Afghanistan could use the final match to give opportunities to other squad members. Nevertheless, they will be keen to maintain their winning momentum.
Team Preview: Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe have lost both matches but showed considerable improvement with the bat in the second T20I. Chasing 222, they managed 202/5, demonstrating that their batting lineup can challenge Afghanistan when it gets a strong start.
Captain Sikandar Raza remains the most important player for Zimbabwe. Brian Bennett and Innocent Kaia will be expected to provide a better start, while Ryan Burl, Ben Curran and Wessly Madhevere offer support in the middle order.
Zimbabwe’s bowling has struggled to contain Afghanistan, particularly during the middle overs. Blessing Muzarabani and Newman Nyamhuri will be important with the new ball, while Wellington Masakadza and Raza can provide spin options.
Brad Evans is expected to make way for Kundai Matigimu in the third match, as Evans was scheduled to feature only in the first two T20Is. Zimbabwe will hope the changes help them finish the series with a victory.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 3rd T20I: Probable Playing XIs
Afghanistan Predicted XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (c), Sediqullah Atal, Shahidullah Kamal, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Akram, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Zimbabwe Predicted XI: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Ben Curran, Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Kundai Matigimu, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani.
Pitch Report: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Sharjah has traditionally been known for its slow surfaces and short boundaries, but the second T20I demonstrated its potential for high-scoring cricket. Afghanistan posted 221/7, while Zimbabwe responded with 202/5, producing an aggregate of 423 runs.
Batters who find their timing can take advantage of the relatively short boundaries, while spinners will need to vary their pace and lengths to prevent easy scoring. Fast bowlers could also find opportunities with the new ball.
Another competitive total is expected if the surface offers similar conditions. Both teams will need to balance aggressive batting with sensible shot selection.
Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
| Matches | Afghanistan | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|---|
| 23 | 21 wins | 2 wins |
Afghanistan have dominated this T20I rivalry, winning 21 of the 23 meetings between the sides. Zimbabwe have managed only two victories, with no tied matches or no-results recorded.
The hosts will look to extend their advantage with another win in Sharjah.
Players to Watch
Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan): Omarzai has been the standout performer of the series, producing a match-winning century in the second T20I. His all-round contribution makes him one of the biggest threats for Zimbabwe.
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): Rashid’s experience and wicket-taking ability make him a key figure in Afghanistan’s bowling attack. He will look to maintain his strong record against Zimbabwe.
Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe): The Zimbabwe captain will need to lead from the front with both bat and ball. His performance could determine whether the visitors can challenge Afghanistan.
Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe): Bennett’s contribution at the top of the order will be important. A strong powerplay performance could give Zimbabwe the platform they need to compete.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 3rd T20I Live Streaming
The final T20I begins at 6:30 PM UAE time on November 1.
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Afghanistan: Ariana Television Network (ATN) on television and the Etisalat app for streaming.
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Pakistan: A Sports on television and Tamasha for live streaming.
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India: FanCode.
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USA and Canada: Willow TV and Willow by Cricbuzz.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win the 3rd T20I?
Afghanistan have been the more consistent team throughout the series, winning both matches through strong contributions from their middle order and bowling attack. Omarzai’s century in the previous game has further strengthened their confidence.
Zimbabwe showed improvement in the second match but still need a more disciplined bowling performance. Their top order must also provide a stronger start if they want to challenge Afghanistan.
Prediction: Afghanistan are favourites to win the third T20I and complete a 3-0 series clean sweep. Zimbabwe have the batting ability to make the contest competitive, but Afghanistan’s spin attack and all-round depth give them a clear advantage.
