Afghanistan have already secured their eighth consecutive T20I series victory over Zimbabwe and are looking to complete a clean sweep, leading 2-0 in the series. In the final T20I match at Sharjah, Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran won the toss and decided to field first. This decision marked a change in their approach, as they chose to bowl for the first time in this three-match series.
For this concluding game, Afghanistan made significant adjustments to their lineup, featuring four changes. Most notably, 25-year-old batting allrounder Abdullah Tarakhail was handed his debut. The changes saw Mujeeb ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmed, Shahidullah Kamal, and wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz sitting out. Fazal Haq Farooqi, Noor Ahmed, and Noor ul Rahman stepped into the squad alongside Tarakhail.
Zimbabwe, dealing with their own team adjustments, welcomed back two players. Both Blessing Muzarabani and Newman Nyamhuri were fit to rejoin the XI. Brad Evans was unavailable due to a “family reason,” as explained by team captain Sikandar Raza, with Kundai Matigimu also not being selected.
The match is being played on the same pitch used for the first T20I, which saw pacers taking 13 wickets. Despite retaining a hint of green, it doesn’t boast as much grass as the previous game played on a different surface, which held more moisture. Afghanistan’s fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, now part of the broadcast team, anticipated that the pitch would slow down after the initial overs.
Looking to finish the series on a high, Afghanistan have already assured their series victory with standout performances, aiming to claim a 3-0 result.
Teams:
Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran (capt), Mohammad Akram, Sediqullah Atal, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Noor ul Rahman (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Abdullah Tarakhail, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Innocent Kaia, Sikandar Raza (capt), Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Ernest Masuku, Newman Nyamhuri, Vincent Masekesa, Blessing Muzarabani
