Afghanistan and Zimbabwe are getting ready for a blockbuster clash in the final of the ODI tri-series, to be played on Friday at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Both teams remain in high spirits after doing well in their last games. However, Afghanistan have demonstrated a great deal of dominance, and they would hope to complete a successful campaign. 

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have a chance to turn the tables and end the tournament on a high note. Talking about Afghanistan, they have had a smooth ride in the series after firstly demolishing Zimbabwe by 158 runs before booking their place in the final with an effortless seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, started their campaign with a stunning 99-run win against Bangladesh to get their first points. However, they went down against Afghanistan in their next meeting.

Despite their defeat, they managed to seal their spot in the final following Bangladesh’s defeat against Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s top order batters have served as the cornerstone of the team’s success, with Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal playing important roles with their amazing batting performances. However, power-hitter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has not been able to make his presence felt, scoring 25 and 6 runs in the last encounters. Most recently, both sides met in the second match of the series, with Afghanistan showing their skills both in their batting and bowling departments. After deciding to bat, they posted 294 in 50 overs, following splendid knocks of 90 and 102 from Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal.

While defending the total, Rashid Khan stole the show with the ball, returning with four wickets to help Afghanistan skittle Zimbabwe for 136 in 38.4 overs. As for Zimbabwe, their batting struggles have made it difficult for them to challenge the opposition. In their past matches, the most concerning thing has been the lack of partnerships from their top-tier batters. More noticeably, Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan has made the task hugely difficult for them, and challenging him would be a big task for them. 

Head-to-head

Matches - 32

ZIM won - 10

AFG won - 21

No result - 1

Afghanistan likely XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Zimbabwe likely XI: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Brendan Taylor (wk), Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (c), Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Ernest Masuku, Blessing Muzarabani