Our Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe match prediction backs Afghanistan, who hold a 55% win probability against Zimbabwe’s 45%. History is the strongest argument, because Afghanistan have won 14 of the 15 meetings between the sides. Rashid Khan is also tipped to shine with bat, ball and leadership of the spin attack. This preview covers the toss, pitch, weather, head-to-head record, playing XI talking points, squads and fantasy cricket tips for the 1st T20I.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Match Details
Match | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe | 1st T20I | Afghanistan v Zimbabwe |
Date | 27/10/2026 (Tuesday) |
Time | BDT 8:30 PM / PKT 7:30 PM / INR 8:00 PM |
Format | T20 |
Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
Recent performance | Afghanistan – L L W L A, Zimbabwe – L W L W L |
AFG vs ZIM Afghanistan v Zimbabwe 2026: Live Streaming & Broadcast Info
Viewing options for the 1st T20I depend on location, so fans can check the platforms listed for their region.
- Pakistan: Tapmad (Live Stream)
- India: FanCode (Live Stream)
- USA & Canada: Willow TV
- Bangladesh: Toffee (Live Stream)
- MENA: Cricbuzz (Live Stream)
- Worldwide: Matches available via Sports Live Hub for global streaming access across regions.
Broadcast details may vary by region.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Toss Prediction
Afghanistan are predicted to win the toss and bat first. With the match set for the evening, dew could help the chasing side, though no confirmed details are available. Even so, setting a total near 170 gives Afghanistan’s bowlers a target to defend, and Rashid Khan’s spin can squeeze the middle overs once the pressure builds on Zimbabwe’s batters.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
This pitch report points to a competitive surface where totals around 160 to 170 look realistic, based on the predicted scores of 170+ for Afghanistan and 160+ for Zimbabwe. Batters who settle early can score freely, but the bowlers should stay in the contest through the middle overs. Expect a close tactical battle between spin and strokeplay as the innings develop.
Weather Report
No confirmed forecast is available, so this weather report stays cautious. Under lights from 8:00 PM IST, the fielding side may struggle for grip if dew arrives later in the night. Captains will watch conditions closely before the toss, since chasing teams often look to exploit a damp ball in shorter formats.
AFG vs ZIM Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 15 |
AFG Won | 14 |
ZIM Won | 1 |
Tied | 0 |
No Result | 0 |
First-ever Fixture | October 26, 2015 at Bulawayo |
Most-recent Fixture | June 14, 2022 at Harare |
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Team Preview & Squads
Afghanistan
Ibrahim Zadran captains Afghanistan and is also the key batter, so he sets the example at the top. He is predicted to be the leading run-scorer and the biggest six-hitter for his side. The recent form line of L L W L A shows a team searching for rhythm, and Zadran needs to guide them out of it.
Afghanistan’s last outing was a five-wicket defeat to Nepal at the Asian Games, where they managed only 102/7 and Nepal chased it down with 16 balls to spare. Afghanistan’s batters must find more fluency, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz along with the rest of the group will need to back Zadran to post a stronger score.
The bowling and all-rounder department is where Afghanistan hold a clear advantage. Rashid Khan is the key all-rounder, tipped to be Player of the Match and top wicket-taker. Azmatullah Omarzai is the key bowler, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooqi add variety. Rashid is also a strong fantasy cricket tips captaincy option.
Afghanistan Squads
Ibrahim Zadran, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Abdullah Tarakhail, Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Mohammad Akram, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Noor ul Rahman, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, Sediqullah Atal, Shahidullah
Zimbabwe
Sikandar Raza captains Zimbabwe and doubles as the key all-rounder, so his influence reaches every department. He is predicted to be the top run-scorer and six-hitter for the visitors. Zimbabwe’s recent form of L W L W L suggests a side that can win but struggles to stay consistent.
Ryan Burl is the key batter and will need to support Raza to build a total of 160 or more. Zimbabwe face a big challenge in this fixture, since they have beaten Afghanistan only once in fifteen attempts, and the batting must handle the spin threat early. A solid platform is essential if they want to pressure the hosts.
Blessing Muzarabani is the key bowler and leads the attack, with Brad Evans predicted as the top wicket-taker. Raza adds control with the ball too. If the bowlers can strike early and keep Afghanistan below their predicted 170, Zimbabwe will fancy their chances of pulling off an upset.
Zimbabwe Squads
Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Innocent Kaia, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga
AFG vs ZIM Prediction
Event | Afghanistan | Zimbabwe |
Toss Winner | Afghanistan | – |
Player of the Match | Rashid Khan | – |
Top Run Scorer | Ibrahim Zadran | Sikandar Raza |
Top Wicket Taker | Rashid Khan | Brad Evans |
Most Sixes | Ibrahim Zadran | Sikandar Raza |
Predicted Score | 170+ | 160+ |
Win Probability | 55% | 45% |
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Winning Prediction
Afghanistan are our pick in this Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe match prediction, with a 55% win probability to Zimbabwe’s 45%, built on a commanding head-to-head record and the spin power of Rashid Khan. Zimbabwe have Raza and cannot be written off, so expect a competitive game. Do you think Afghanistan will keep their dominant run, or will Zimbabwe spring a surprise? Share your thoughts and follow JeetBuzz for more predictions, stats and expert analysis.
FAQ: Afghanistan v Zimbabwe 2026 1st T20I
What time does the 1st T20I start in India?
The match starts at 8:00 PM IST on October 27, 2026.
Where can fans in India watch the 1st T20I?
The match is available to stream to live on Sports Live Hub (SLH).
Who is the captain of Afghanistan in this match?
Ibrahim Zadran is the captain of Afghanistan.