Heading into the only test match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, this is going to feature two limited playing sides that hope to build themselves into amongst the more consistent nations. Seeing that Zimbabwe is coming with full eagerness and passion in hopes of winning their first test in several years, it will be a great way for them to also forget about the tough summer they had.
With games against South Africa and New Zealand almost always ended up one-sided, this will be more competitive since their opponents are pretty evenly matched. Knowing that Craig Ervine is finally back after taking a long hiatus as this group’s leader, he should really be a huge motivating factor going in.
For Afghanistan, this is a side that has had very little history in test cricket, and they are trying to make it a bigger deal in their country. With their last matchup being a series against Zimbabwe as well, the group was able to win 1-0 during that time, while drawing the other match.
Knowing how to play a Chevrons side, it will be interesting for many to see if they follow the same tactical approaches or try an alternate route that supports them even better. Seeing that this nation is slowly picking up and becoming a powerhouse cricketing side, having a captain like Hasmatullah Shahidi should really allow them to play a free-flowing match with minimal errors.
Zimbabwe: Batting Lineup Has Plenty Of Pieces Looking To Finally Knock In Big Runs
Looking at Zimbabwe’s side, their batting unit is really looking to come together for the first time and have big performances after struggles during recent times in which they were held short. Opener Brian Bennett, 503 runs in 18 innings, is once again going to be a key threat from the right end.
Someone who’s shown consistency in that position and never seems to get swayed of by bowlers, Brian Bennett has already hit two centuries, alongside two half-centuries during test matches alone. Given that he is just 21 years old and still has a long time for success, it will be great to see him start out with Brendan Taylor, who is the most veteran piece in this unit.
Knowing that Taylor has scored 2,371 runs during his test career so far, he has hit 6 knocks for over 100 runs and seems to always create these innings in very crucial times. Given that he’s added 12 half-centuries, it will be big, since Ben Curran is another piece who will be able to produce at one down.
As Ben Curran is a left-hander, it will give this group a nice switch and help him continue to a flier of a start to his career, while Sean Williams, 1946 runs during 47 innings, continues being key at two-down. With captain Craig Ervine being another big-time left-handed hitter, while looking to cross that 2,000-mark, Sikandar Raza and Tafadzwa Tsiga should round out this attack well.
Zimbabwe: Pacers Will Be Dangerous Throughout With Spinners Being Key As Well
On Zimbabwe’s bowling side, it is pretty clear that their fast-bowlers should have another strong outing, while their spinning options will come in bunches too. Leading the way, Blessing Muzarabani, 61 wickets during 17 test matches, has been the most dominant bowler by far and has a real bouncer ability at his height.
Also known for a very unique whip-action that is similar to some of the better bowlers around the world, Blessing Muzurabani will be looking to attack the center of the wicket, while having stamina for long overs. On the other end, Richard Ngarava has been their key left-handed bowler in all formats and will be looking to build on 20 wickets during 10 games.
Someone who has the ability to bowl with pure speed and make batters absolutely miss the ball, he will continue changing up his pace to create surprises. With Tinotenda Maposa, being their third option and looking to make a strong debut, another key to watch out for is Tanaka Chivanga, as his game is mostly based around the red ball style.
Having taken 14 wickets during the very early stages of Tanaka Chivanga Zimbabwe career, he closes out their pace attack very well. For spinners, Sikandar Raza, 40 wickets, and Sean Williams will be playing some key overs to limit the run-rate and create some turn when it is required against harder hitters.
Afghanistan: Top-Order Will Try To Do Most Of The Damage As Middle Looks To Make Amends
Now on to Afghanistan’s batting, one thing that is clear is that this group will do as well as their top-order performs. A squad that has seemed to mostly rely on their top three to carry a bulk of the innings, one player to really watch out for is Rahmanullah Gurbaz, as he’s slowly turned himself into a top-notch opener.
Despite struggling with consistency at times, Rahmanullah Gurbaz has scored 51 runs during two innings of test match cricket and looks to finally put it all together. Known for some amazing sweep shots, his ability to bat from the right end allows Ibrahim Zadran to start off very well with him. Knowing that Ibrahim Zadran has already scored over 500 runs during this format, he will be relied upon to anchor another big performance.
At one-down, Hasmuntullah Shahidi will continue being a top-notch piece from the left side as he remains Afghanistan’s most successful test batsman. Scoring 757 runs and 2 centuries in just 10 matches, his ability to create runs all around the ground is something to watch out for.
Afghanistan will probably give the two-down nod to wicketkeeper Asfar Zazai, as this is someone whose smashed a century before and also keeps an average of around 30. Knowing that, down the order, Ismat Alam will be another big-time piece to watch out for as he smacked a 100 last time these sides met, while keeping his average over 50. Lastly, Yamin Ahmadzai and Shahidullah should be key at the back end.
Afghanistan: Deep Bowling Attack Should Try Being Impactful In Non-Asian Grounds
As this Afghanistan bowling attack has clearly been able to dominate in conditions all around Asia, they will now be look to prove it somewhere else. With Yamin Ahmadzai, 16 wickets in 7 matches, already proving his ability as a long-term fast bowler, his economy being under 3.20 is another huge key.
On that note, Zia-Ur-Rehman, 11 wickets during 4 test matches, has been a fantastic red-ball bowler so far with his amazing pace and strategy from the left end. Someone who isn’t talked about that much due to his lack of playing in other formats, he should be time during test, while Bashir Ahmed looks to return. Knowing this, there should also be a few key overs from Ismat Alam to round out the attack.
Previous Matches
Matches Played: 4
Afghanistan Won: 2
Zimbabwe Won: 1
Matches Drawn: 1
Predictions
Afghanistan Bat 1st: They will score around 320-340 runs with all wickets lost
Zimbabwe Bat 1st: They will score around 290-300 with all wickets lost
Afghanistan Bat 2nd: They will score around 220 and lead by 250
Zimbabwe Bat 2nd: They win by 4-5 wickets
Final Prediction: Zimbabwe will win by 4-5 wickets if they bat 2nd, but Afghanistan will win by 10 runs if batting 2nd
Key Players
Afganisthan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Opener who has continued making his mark around the world with quality shots
Hasmatullah Shahidi: Captain and batsman meant for this format, with his patience in batting
Zia-Ur-Rehman: Pacer that has been known to create a threat from the left-end
Yazim Ahmadzai: Leading fast bowler who continues picking up big-time wickets with ease
Zimbabwe
Richard Ngarava: Left-handed superstar who is hoping to revitalize test bowling for Zimbabwe
Blessing Muzarabani: By far the strongest option on this side as he continues playing a big-time role from the left end
Brian Bennett: Top-notch opener who is slowly turning himself into a three-format superstar
Brendan Taylor: Their most experienced piece who has made a strong return to test cricket
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