Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan T20i Series - Squad and Key Players for Afghanistan

After hosting Pakistan’s tour, Zimbabwe cricket is all set to host Afghanistan for a 3-match T20, 3-match ODI series, and 2-match Test series. The series will start with the T20 format and the first fixture is scheduled to take place on 11th December at the Harare Sports Club. Check out the match prediction for the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st T20i.

Zimbabwe is coming to play against Afghanistan after losing a 3-match T20 series against Pakistan at home by 1-2. However, they have a good experience playing cricket against Afghanistan and hence we expect a close contest.

Afghanistan is coming back in action after defeating Bangladesh in a 3-match ODI series by 2-1. In 2024, Afghanistan played some fabulous white-ball cricket and their confidence is at its highest. The best batting sites in India will have the odds in favour of Afghanistan for the 1st T20i.

Afghanistan Cricket Board and the selection committee have recently announced the squad Afghanistan’s tour to Zimbabwe. There are some minor changes in the squad and some fresh faces joining the team.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan - Schedule

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan T20i Series - Afghanistan Squad

Rashid Khan (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Darwish Rasooli, Zubaid Akbari, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad and Naveen Ul Haq

Afghanistan will be under the leadership of their white-ball expert all-rounder Rashid Khan. Under the leadership of Rashid Khan, Afghanistan reached their first T20i World Cup semi-final in 2024 and hence the selectors have shown trust in him.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who was out of action from international cricket since June 2024, will be making his comeback against Zimbabwe. He is returning to competitive cricket after recovering from a right phalanx (hand) sprain.

Zubaid Akbari, who made his debut for the team in 2023 in the T20i format, is also making his return after performing exceptionally well in domestic cricket. He is a top-order batter and will be hopeful to make his debut for the team.

Afghanistan will be without their top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran and his absence is a big blow to the visitors. He is still in the injury room and recovering from his ankle injury.

In the absence of Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz will have to step up his game in both T20i and ODI series. Noor Ahmad and Riaz Hassan are two Afghan players who won’t be playing in the ODI series.

Afghanistan Probable Playing XI

Rashid Khan (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveen Ul Haq

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan T20i Series - Key Players for Afghanistan

1) Rahmanullah Gurbaz

When it comes to Afghanistan’s batting line-up, Rahmanullah Gurbaz will be their key batsman. He is the 2nd highest run-scorer for Afghanistan in the T20i cricket this year and in the absence of the leading scorer Ibrahim Zadran, Gurbaz will be taking the responsibility on his shoulders to score runs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz made headlines during the T20i World Cup by becoming the leading scorer in the tournament and since then he has not looked back.

2) Fazalhaq Farooqi

On the bowling front, Fazalhaq Farooqi will play a key role for the visitors. The 24-year-old pace sensation from Afghanistan is the leading wicket-taker for the team this year. Like their top batter Gurbaz, Farooqi also gained the attention of global media by becoming the leading wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup 2024 and he will be expected to continue the momentum.

3) Rashid Khan

Whenever we talk about key players in Afghanistan, Rashid Khan is always part of the discussion. He is one of the best all-rounders in the white-ball cricket and can make a huge impact for the team. Against Zimbabwe, Rashid will be playing a 3-dimensional role as a batter, bowler, and a reliable leader for the team.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan T20i Series - Head-to-Head

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