ZIM vs AFG Today Match Prediction: 1st Test Preview - Both Teams in Poor Form

ZIM vs AFG Match Preview

The 1st Test match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan is scheduled to take place from December 26 to 30, 2024, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The game will begin at 10:00 AM local time (1:30 PM IST), promising an exciting contest in Test cricket.

ZIM vs AFG Weather Report

Day 1 of the Test match is expected to be mostly cloudy with occasional showers, creating challenging conditions for the players. Temperatures will hover around 26°C, making it moderately warm, but rain interruptions might disrupt the game and favor the bowlers in overcast conditions.

ZIM vs AFG Recent Performance

Zimbabwe Summary: Zimbabwe has struggled recently, losing four of their last five matches, with one draw against West Indies. Their batting has been inconsistent, and their bowlers have lacked impact against strong opposition.

Afghanistan Summary: Afghanistan has one win in their last five matches, with three losses and one abandoned game. Their bowling remains their strength, but batting collapses have been frequent.

ZIM vs AFG Playing XI Prediction

Zimbabwe Playing XI:

1.Craig Ervine (C)

2.Tadiwanashe Marumani

3.Sean Williams

4.Sikandar Raza

5.Ryan Burl

6.Ben Curran

7.Joylord Gumbie (WK)

8.Blessing Muzarabani

9.Wellington Masakadza

10.Richard Ngarava

11.Victor Nyauchi

Afghanistan Playing XI:

1.Ibrahim Zadran

2.Rahmat Shah

3.Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)

4.Nasir Jamal

5.Afsar Zazai (WK)

6.Mohammad Nabi

7.Rashid Khan

8.Yamin Ahmadzai

9.Zahir Khan

10.Naveen-ul-Haq

11.Azmatullah Omarzai

ZIM vs AFG Head-to-Head

Zimbabwe and Afghanistan have won one match each in their last two encounters, showcasing a balanced rivalry.

ZIM vs AFG Batting Key Players

Zimbabwe: Sean Williams (Avg: 99.8 in the last 4 matches), Sikandar Raza.

Afghanistan: Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (reliable middle-order contributors).

ZIM vs AFG Bowling Key Players

Zimbabwe: Blessing Muzarabani (24 wickets in the last 6 matches).

Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (34 wickets in the last 5 matches), Yamin Ahmadzai.

ZIM vs AFG Match Prediction

ZIM vs AFG Best Player Prediction:

Best Batsman: Sean Williams (ZIM), Rahmat Shah (AFG).

Best Bowler: Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM), Rashid Khan (AFG).

Opening Bowler's Impact:

Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM) could generate bounce and early breakthroughs.

Yamin Ahmadzai (AFG) might exploit swing-friendly conditions.

ZIM vs AFG Outcome Scenarios:

If Zimbabwe bats first: Likely to post a moderate score; Afghanistan's bowling depth could limit them.

If Afghanistan bats first: A strong start could set up a dominant position; Rashid Khan could pressure Zimbabwe in the fourth innings.

ZIM vs AFG Final Match Prediction:

Who will win today match percentage? Afghanistan holds a slight edge due to their more experienced bowling attack led by Rashid Khan, coupled with Zimbabwe's inconsistent batting. However, home conditions and the possibility of rain could level the playing field. A draw is also a significant possibility given the forecast and both teams' recent Test form.