Published on: Oct 27, 2026 12:26 pm IST | Updated on: Oct 27, 2026 12:49 pm IST
Afghanistan is all set to host Zimbabwe for a 3-match T20I series followed by a 2-match Test series in Sharjah. After winning the recently concluded tri-nation ODI series, including Bangladesh as the third team, Afghanistan will now square off against Zimbabwe in the format they have relished the most in the past. Afghanistan won both their ODIs against Zimbabwe in the tri-nation series and will hope to put Zimbabwe under immense pressure in the T20I series as well. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st T20I, AFG vs ZIM, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.
Afghanistan should be the favorites to start the series. Stoked after winning the ODI tri-nation series, the Afghans have got the better of Zimbabwe in this format and will continue to dominate the African side. Zimbabwe’s last T20I win over Afghanistan came in 2024, and since then the Afghans have defeated Zimbabwe five times. With numbers and momentum on their side, there’s no reason why the win probability meter shouldn’t favor the hosts. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st T20I, AFG vs ZIM, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.
ZIM: 12% win chance AFG: 88% win chance
The Afghan skipper is also one of their most consistent batters. Having scored 271 runs in the last 8 T20Is striking at 132.19, Zadran remains a key bet.
Zimbabwe's left-hand middle-order batter has scored 223 runs in his last 10 T20I appearances. He will be handy with the ball as well if needed.
Rahmanullah is Afghanistan's berserk scorer at the top order. He sets the tone for the teams and Afghanistan will rely a lot on him at the top.
Ben has been consistent for Zimbabwe in recent times in whatever format he plays. Relatively new in T20Is, expect Ben to get into his groove in the opening game itself.
Check out our prediction for the AFG vs ZIM 1st T20I match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.
Afghanistan will begin their home assignment against Zimbabwe with confidence soaring after clinching the recently concluded tri‑nation ODI series that also featured Bangladesh. The action now shifts to Sharjah, where the Afghans will host Zimbabwe in a 3‑match T20I series followed by two Tests. Given their dominance in the shorter formats, Afghanistan enter as firm favorites to start the series on a winning note.
In the tri‑nation ODI series, Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe twice, exposing the visitors’ frailties against spin. The Afghan bowling attack, spearheaded by their world‑class spinners, made life miserable for Zimbabwe’s batters, consistently choking runs and forcing errors. Skipper Ibrahim Zadran is expected to deploy his spin arsenal once again, with the likes of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman primed to exploit Sharjah’s turning tracks.
Afghanistan’s batting unit, bolstered by aggressive stroke-makers and reliable anchors, adds further depth to their campaign. With momentum firmly in their favor and conditions tailor‑made for their strengths, Afghanistan will look to put Zimbabwe under immense pressure right from the opening T20I, setting the tone for the rest of the series.
For Sikandar Raza and his men, the upcoming challenge against Afghanistan is daunting. Zimbabwe’s record in the format against the Afghans is dismal, just two wins in 21 encounters, a statistic that underlines the gulf between the two sides. Afghanistan’s dominance has been built on their spin strength and batting depth, both of which have consistently troubled Zimbabwe.
Heading into the series, Zimbabwe will need extraordinary performances to alter the narrative. Their batting unit must find ways to counter Afghanistan’s spin trio, while the bowlers must strike early to unsettle a confident Afghan lineup. Raza’s leadership, coupled with the experience of players like Sikandar Raza and the promise of youngsters such as Brian Bennett, will be crucial if Zimbabwe are to mount a serious challenge.
Afghanistan, buoyed by recent success in the tri‑nation ODI series, will look to extend their supremacy. For Zimbabwe, this series is not just about results but about proving they can compete against one of the most formidable sides in the shorter formats. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 21 AFG won: 19 ZIM won: 2 No Result: 0 RECENT form AFGHANISTAN: L L W L AB RECENT form ZIMBABWE: L W L W L
In 21 meetings between the two sides, Afghanistan have been the dominant side, winning 19 encounters, whereas Zimbabwe have won only two games.
How will the two teams, i.e., Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, fare in the 1st T20I? Let’s take a look.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran (C), Sediqullah Atal, Mohammad Akram Zazai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Shahidullah, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st T20I of Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe in the UAE at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.
At Sharjah, the toss could be vital. Afghanistan always likes to post a total on the board and then back their spinners to defend the same. Zimbabwe should also look to do the same, with the surface expected to slow down as the game progresses. Therefore, batting first should be the mantra in this game.
The online live streaming of the 1st T20I match of the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Series in the UAE 2026 will take place live on the FANCODE app. The live TV coverage for this series won’t be available in India.
Afghanistan will start as the firm favorites against Zimbabwe in this match. They have had the wood over Zimbabwe in the format and have been utterly dominant. Playing on a slow surface that is assured to suit their spinners, Afghanistan should enter this contest with the favorites tag. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, Afghanistan, are expected to win the AFG vs ZIM 1st T20I match.
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