The ongoing three-match ODI series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will conclude with the upcoming ZIM vs AFG third ODI. The game will be played on Saturday (December 21) at the Harare Sports Club, Harare.
Afghanistan are leading the series ZIM vs AFG 1-0. After the first game was washed out, the visitors won the second ODI with a huge margin of 232 runs. Afghanistan completely outplayed 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 paltry total of 54 runs inside 18 overs. Only Sikandar Raza (19*) and Sean Williams (16) reached the double-digit figures for the home side. For Afghanistan, AM Ghazanfar and Naveed Zadran claimed three wickets each. With both the teams now set to take on each other 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 forthcoming third Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan ODI will be played at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday (December 21). The game will be played from 1:00 PM IST (09:30 PM local).
Squads:
Zimbabwe:
Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Craig Ervine(c), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, Joylord Gumbie, Wellington Masakadza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Victor Nyauchi, Tinotenda Maposa
Afghanistan:
Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad 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 be relying heavily on him. And one man who can spoil his plans is Afghanistan opener, Sediqullah Atal.
On a tough Harare pitch, Atal scored a brilliant century in the first game. With form on his side, he will be looking 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 that their captain Craig Ervine leads them from the very front. After remaining unbeaten on 1 in the first game, he was 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 foiled by Farooqi.
AM Ghazanfar vs Zimbabwe’s middle-order:
Zimbabwe’s middle as well as the lower order will have their task cut out 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 picked up 3 wickets while conceding only 9 runs and will be looking to cause trouble for the Zimbabwe batters again.
ZIM vs AFG Key Players
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 the third Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan ODI. The forecast shows no signs of rain and the game is likely to take place without any sort of interruption.
The temperature will be in the late 20s for most part of the game and the pitch is expected to favor the bowlers more once again.
Batsmen especially from Zimbabwe have struggled to do well on the surface and will have their task cut out in the upcoming contest.
Conclusion:
A lot will be at stake in the upcoming third. The game will decide the outcome of the series and both the teams will be desperate to win it.
