Three-match ODI in progress series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will end with the upcoming ZIM vs AFG 3rd ODI. The match will be played on Saturday (December 21) at the Harare Sports Club, Harare.
Afghanistan leads ZIM vs AFG series 1-0. After the first game was swept away, the visitors won the second ODI by a huge margin of 232 runs. Afghanistan completely outclassed Zimbabwe to take an unassailable lead in the series.
A century from Sediqullah Atal (104) and an 84-run knock from his opening partner Abdul Malik propelled Afghanistan to a challenging total of 286/6 in 50 overs.
In reply, Zimbabwe were bowled out for a total of 54 runs in 18 overs. Only Sikandar Raza (19*) and Sean Williams (16) reached double figures for the home side. For Afghanistan, AM Ghazanfar and Naveed Zadran claimed three wickets each. With both TEAMS now ready to face off for the third game, here is the preview for the third ZIM vs AFG ODI.
ZIM vs AFG Match Preview – 3rd ODI Afghanistan Tour of Zimbabwe 2024-25:
ZIM vs AFG Date and Venue:
The next Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI will be played at Harare Sports Club on Saturday (December 21). The game will be played from 13:00 IST (21:30 local).
Teams:
Zimbabwe:
Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Craig Ervine(c), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, Muzarabani's blessingTrevor Gwandu, Joylord Gumbie, Wellington Masakadza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Victor Nyauchi, Tinotene Maposa
Afghanistan:
Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah OmarzaiMohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil(w), Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Mohammad Ishaq, Bilal Sami, Nangeyalia Kharote
ZIM vs AFG Key Battles
Sediqullah Atal vs Richard Ngarava:
The onus will be on Richard Ngarava to give his team a good start with the ball. Ngarava is known for his ability to take wickets with the new ball and Zimbabwe will rely heavily on him. And one man who can spoil their plans is Afghanistan opener Sediqullah Atal.
On a tough pitch in Harare, Atal scored a brilliant century in the first game. With form on his side, he will look to come up with another good performance with the bat.
Fazalhaq Farooqi vs Craig Ervine:
With Zimbabwe desperate for a win to avoid a series loss, they will be hoping their captain Craig Ervine will lead them right from the front. After going unbeaten by 1 in the first game, he was bowled out for 4 runs in the second game.
He was dismissed by Fazalhaq Farooqi. And this battle could decide the course of the game in the third ODI as well. Ervine has the potential to lead his team to a good total but his plans could be thwarted by Farooqi.
AM Ghazanfar vs Zimbabwe Middle Order:
Zimbabwe's middles as well as the bottom half will have their work cut out for them against AM Ghazanfar. The spinner has been in stunning form of late and will be looking to add more wickets to his tally. In the second game, he took 3 wickets while conceding just 9 runs and will look to cause problems for the Zimbabwean batsmen again.
Key players ZIM vs AFG
ZIM – Craig Ervine, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza and Richard Ngarava are some of the key players for Zimbabwe.
AFG – Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar and Fazalhaq Farooqi are the key players in Afghanistan.
ZIM vs AFG Weather and Pitch Report:
The weather report is very promising for Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI. There is no sign of rain in the forecast and the game is likely to go ahead without any disruption.
The temperature will be in the late 20s for most of the game and tthe chain is expected to favor the bowlers again.
The batsmen, especially from Zimbabwe, have struggled to do well on the surface and will have their work cut out for them in the upcoming contest.
Conclusion:
A lot will be at stake in the next third. The game will decide the outcome of the series and both teams will be desperate to win it.