Afghanistan will face Zimbabwe in the final of the 2026 ODI Tri-Series in the UAE on Friday, October 23. The two teams will meet at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, with the trophy on the line after contrasting performances during the league stage.
Afghanistan enter the final in strong form after winning both their league matches. They defeated Zimbabwe in their opening game before beating Bangladesh by seven wickets to secure their place in the final. Rahmat Shah’s side will now aim to finish the tournament unbeaten and lift the trophy.
Zimbabwe began their campaign with a convincing victory over Bangladesh but lost to Afghanistan in their second match. Sikandar Raza’s team will need a much-improved performance to reverse that result and challenge Afghanistan for the title.
With Rashid Khan leading a dangerous spin attack and Sediqullah Atal in impressive batting form, Afghanistan will start with confidence. Zimbabwe, however, have experienced players who can make the final competitive.
AFG vs ZIM Final: Match Details
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, Final |
| Tournament | ODI Tri-Series in UAE 2026 |
| Date | Friday, October 23, 2026 |
| Start Time (UAE) | 3:30 PM |
| Start Time (PKT) | 4:30 PM |
| Start Time (IST) | 5:00 PM |
| Start Time (GMT) | 11:30 AM |
| Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah |
| Format | One-Day International |
| Afghanistan Captain | Rahmat Shah |
| Zimbabwe Captain | Sikandar Raza |
Team Overview
Afghanistan
Afghanistan have looked strong throughout the tournament, combining dependable batting with a bowling attack capable of taking wickets at regular intervals. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran can provide an aggressive start, while Sediqullah Atal and Rahmat Shah offer stability in the middle order.
Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi add valuable all-round ability, giving the team depth with both bat and ball. Rashid Khan will be central to Afghanistan’s plans, supported by AM Ghazanfar and the pace options available in the squad.
Afghanistan will likely aim to build a competitive total before using their spinners to put pressure on Zimbabwe during the chase.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe will need their top order to deliver a stronger performance after struggling against Afghanistan in the league stage. Brian Bennett and Ben Curran will be important at the start, while Brendan Taylor and captain Sikandar Raza bring experience to the batting lineup.
Ryan Burl and Wessly Madhevere provide additional options in the middle order. With the ball, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans will be expected to lead the pace attack, while Wellington Masakadza can offer support through spin.
Zimbabwe’s best chance may be to take early wickets and prevent Afghanistan from building momentum.
AFG vs ZIM Head-to-Head ODI Record
Afghanistan have enjoyed the advantage in previous ODI meetings between the two sides.
| Record | Result |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 32 |
| Afghanistan Wins | 21 |
| Zimbabwe Wins | 10 |
| No Result | 1 |
Afghanistan’s stronger record and their victory over Zimbabwe earlier in this tournament will give them confidence heading into the final. Zimbabwe must find a way to counter Afghanistan’s spin attack if they are to improve their record.
Players to Watch
Sediqullah Atal (Afghanistan): Atal will be a key batter after producing a century in the previous meeting between these teams. His ability to build an innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate could help Afghanistan set a challenging target.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan): Gurbaz’s aggressive approach at the top of the order can put Zimbabwe under immediate pressure. A quick start from the wicketkeeper-batter would give Afghanistan a strong platform.
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): Rashid has been among the standout performers of the tournament, using his variations and control to trouble opposing batters. His spell could prove decisive in the middle overs.
Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan): Omarzai’s all-round contributions make him an important part of the side. He can strengthen the batting lineup and provide crucial breakthroughs with the ball.
Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe’s captain will need to lead from the front. His experience and all-round ability could be vital if his team are to challenge Afghanistan.
Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe): Muzarabani will be one of Zimbabwe’s main hopes for early wickets. His height and pace could trouble Afghanistan’s opening batters.
Official Squads
Afghanistan: Rahmat Shah (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Yamin Ahmadzai. Qais Ahmad is the travelling reserve.
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor (wk), Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Ernest Masuku, Newman Nyamhuri, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Wessly Madhevere.
AFG vs ZIM Predicted Playing XIs
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Yamin Ahmadzai.
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Wessly Madhevere, Ryan Burl, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Ernest Masuku, Blessing Muzarabani.
These are predicted lineups based on the officially announced squads. The final playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
Sharjah’s surface can offer opportunities to batters, but conditions may also bring spinners into the game as the match progresses. Batters who settle early can score freely, while bowlers who vary their pace and maintain accurate lines may find success.
Winning the toss could influence the decision, depending on the pitch and conditions on the day. Afghanistan’s spin options could be particularly important, while Zimbabwe will need to manage the middle overs carefully.
AFG vs ZIM Live Streaming Details
In India, the match will be available on FanCode’s app and website. In Pakistan, coverage is available through A Sports and streaming on Tamasha. In Afghanistan, viewers can follow the match on Ariana Television and the Etisalat app. In Bangladesh, coverage is available through T Sports and Tapmad. In North America, Willow TV will broadcast the match.
Who Will Win the AFG vs ZIM Final?
Afghanistan have the advantage heading into the final, having won both league matches and already beaten Zimbabwe in the tournament. Their combination of top-order batting, all-round options and quality spin makes them difficult to overcome.
Zimbabwe have enough experience to make the contest competitive, but they will need a much stronger performance with the bat and early wickets with the ball.
Match prediction: Afghanistan to win the final and lift the ODI Tri-Series trophy. Their recent form and stronger spin attack make them the favourites, although Zimbabwe could challenge them if their key players deliver.
