Published on: Nov 12, 2026 12:01 pm IST | Updated on: Nov 12, 2026 12:01 pm IST
It was a run-fest in Sharjah when Zimbabwe and Afghanistan collided in the first Test of the two-match series. The Test match ended in a draw as both teams piled up 500 runs in every innings they batted, especially Zimbabwe, who became the only team in Test cricket history to score 500+ runs in both innings of the Test match. Both teams are all set to lock horns in the second and final Test of the series at the same venue; however, the surface this time around will be different. The strip used in the last Test won’t be used for this fixture, and the surface is expected to be better than a flat deck. In this post, we’ve put together free expert tips for the 2nd Test, AFG vs ZIM, at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.
The batters cherished the first Test as scoring runs was fun for both teams. However, with a different strip set to be used for this game, the spinners could well come into play as the dryness in the wicket will assist the spinners. Afghanistan has a more surface-friendly bowling attack wherein their spinners can dominate. Therefore, expect the win probability meter to lean in Afghanistan’s favor. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 2nd Test, AFG vs ZIM, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.
ZIM: 48% win chance AFG: 52% win chance
The Afghan skipper is now the highest ranked test batter for the side breaching into the top 10 for the first time in his career after a scintillating ton in the last game. He remains the cornerstone of Afghanistan's batting unit.
The Zimbabwean stand-in skipper scored a ton and followed it up by a fifty in the second innings. He remains one of the lynchpins in Zimbabwe's experienced batting line up.
The veteran batter scored 131 and 82 in the last game and earned the much deserved man of the match award. He will be a cornerstone in Zimbabwe's middle order.
Sediqullah followed his century against Bangladesh with a ton in the opening Test of this series as well. At the top order, he will be a bet to rely upon.
Check out our prediction for the AFG vs ZIM 2nd Test match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah.
The spotlight will firmly be on Afghanistan’s spin attack, which has often been the team’s biggest strength in red-ball cricket. With the pitch expected to deteriorate and provide more turn as the match progresses, the likes of Qais Ahmed, Zia-ur-Rehman, and their fellow tweakers will have a golden opportunity to dictate terms. Their ability to extract turn, variation, and bounce could prove decisive in breaking partnerships and putting Zimbabwe’s batters under sustained pressure.
While Afghanistan’s batters will once again be expected to contribute heavily, the bowlers, particularly the spinners, need to step up and make the difference. If they can exploit the conditions effectively and strike at regular intervals, Afghanistan will fancy their chances of seizing control of the contest and moving closer to a series-defining victory.
Zimbabwe could not have asked for a better batting performance in the opening Test. On a surface that heavily favored the batters, they piled on the runs with remarkable consistency, crossing the 500-run mark in both innings. The standout performer was Craig Ervine, whose magnificent maiden double century laid the foundation for Zimbabwe’s dominance. He was ably supported by centuries from Brendan Taylor, skipper Brian Bennett, and Wessly Madhevere, highlighting the depth and confidence within the batting unit.
Having produced such a commanding display, Zimbabwe will be eager to carry that momentum into the second Test. The batters have shown they possess the technique and temperament to post massive totals, and another strong showing could put Afghanistan under immense pressure. However, the visitors will also know that conditions are expected to be different this time around.
The bowlers, who endured a difficult outing on a lifeless pitch in the previous match, will be keen to make amends. Blessing Muzarabani’s pace and bounce, coupled with Graeme Cremer’s experience in the spin department, could prove crucial if the surface offers more assistance. A more balanced bowling effort alongside another strong batting display may give Zimbabwe a genuine chance of taking control of the contest. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 6 AFG won: 2 ZIM won: 2 No Result: 2 RECENT form AFGHANISTAN: W L L D D RECENT form ZIMBABWE: L L W W D
Afghanistan and Zimbabwe have had 6 meetings in Test matches. There’s not much to separate the two sides, as both have won two games each and two games ended in a draw.
How will the two teams, i.e., Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, fare in the 2nd Test? Let’s take a look.
Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Shahidullah Kamal, Rahmat Shah (C), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ikram Alikhil (WK), Rahmanullah Zadran, Qais Ahmad, Zia-ur-Rehman-Akbar, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Mohammad Saleem Safi
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd Test in the UAE at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.
The captain winning the toss should look to put runs on the board, and the wicket is expected to slow down as the match progresses. Batting in the 4th innings could be tricky, as the spinners can dominate the game at that point in time. Therefore, batting first should be the call by the toss winning skipper.
The online live streaming of the 2nd Test 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.
The first Test saw batters scoring runs at will. However, the same couldn’t be said for this game, as the surface will change. Afghanistan’s exposure to the conditions in the UAE will work as an added advantage for them, and they should have their tails up heading into this contest. Their spinners can spoil Zimbabwe’s party as the match progresses, making this a game going in their favor. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, Afghanistan, are expected to win the AFG vs ZIM 2nd Test match.
Want more Cricket Betting Tips like this? Click here