Published on: Oct 19, 2026 11:16 am IST | Updated on: Oct 19, 2026 11:16 am IST
It was a clinical effort from Zimbabwe to clinch the opening game of the tri-nation series in Abu Dhabi. Zimbabwe registered a comprehensive 99-run victory against Bangladesh to go to the top of the points table with one more game to go. They next face the hosts, Afghanistan, who will be playing their first game of the series. A win in this game for Zimbabwe will assure them a final berth. However, if they lose, they will have to wait for the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh game and hope Afghanistan wins. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 2nd ODI, AFG vs BAN, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
It has been 8 years since Zimbabwe defeated Afghanistan in an ODI. This drought is something Zimbabwe must be looking closely to flourish with water. However, it won’t be an easy task for them as Afghanistan possesses a 20-10 winning record against the Sikandar Raza-led side in the format. Therefore, one can expect that the win probability meter should lean in favour of the Afghans. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 2nd ODI, AFG vs BAN, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
ZIM: 44% win chance AFG: 55% win chance
The Afghan opener has scored 454 runs in his last 10 ODI innings at a scintillating average of 45.4. He remains a top bet in the batting order for Afghanistan.
Fresh off a marathon ton against Bangladesh in the only Test match to save the day for Afghanistan, Sediqullah is definitely in brilliant form and will look to contribute in this game.
The veteran left-hander from Zimbabwe is fresh off a 93 in the game against Bangladesh. Craig will be a key figure in the middle order.
Brian is another batter Zimbabwe relies heavily on. The youngster will be looking to score big after a failure in the opening game.
Check out our prediction for the AFG vs ZIM 1st ODI match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Zimbabwe face a stern challenge as they prepare to take on Afghanistan in the tri‑nation ODI series. Having last defeated Afghanistan in this format eight years ago, Sikandar Raza and his men know they must raise their game to break the jinx. Their confidence, however, has been boosted by a commanding 99‑run victory over Bangladesh in the opening match, a result that showcased both batting depth and bowling discipline.
Afghanistan, though, have consistently proven to be a tough opponent for Zimbabwe in recent years. The head‑to‑head record tilts heavily in Afghanistan’s favor, and Zimbabwe enter this clash with just one win in their last five ODIs. To reverse the trend, they will need extraordinary performances from both seasoned campaigners and emerging talents.
With Raza’s leadership, the pace duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, and the batting promise of Brian Bennett, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, etc., Zimbabwe have the tools to challenge Afghanistan. The key will be sustaining momentum and finding ways to counter Afghanistan’s spin‑heavy attack. A breakthrough win here could redefine Zimbabwe’s ODI narrative.
Afghanistan enter their clash against Zimbabwe brimming with confidence, having recently swept Ireland 4‑0 in an away ODI series. That commanding performance underlined their growing stature in the format, and they now look to extend their dominance over Zimbabwe — a side they have consistently outplayed in recent years.
The Afghan lineup boasts a blend of explosive batting and world‑class bowling. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provide firepower at the top, capable of setting aggressive platforms. Skipper Rahmat Shah adds stability in the middle order, while Sediqullah Atal offers youthful flair. The all‑round brilliance of Azmatullah Omarzai ensures balance, and the presence of Rashid Khan remains the ultimate trump card. His spin wizardry has often tilted contests decisively in Afghanistan’s favor.
With momentum on their side and a squad packed with talent, Afghanistan will bank on their proven record against Zimbabwe to deliver another strong performance. A victory here would not only reinforce their dominance but also keep them firmly on course in the tri‑nation series. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 31 AFG won: 20 ZIM won: 10 No Result: 1 RECENT form AFGHANISTAN: NR W W W W RECENT form ZIMBABWE: L L L L W
A total of 31 matches have been played between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe in ODIs. Afghanistan have had the upper hand with 20 wins, whereas Zimbabwe have won 10. One match between the two teams ended without a result.
How will the two teams, i.e., Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, fare in the 1st ODI? Let’s take a look.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah (C), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Yamin Ahmadzai.
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 2nd ODI of the UAE Tri-Nation Series 2026 between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
At Sheikh Zayed Stadium, the toss will be crucial. Captains may lean towards batting first on a flat surface, aiming for 280–300 as a par score. Yet, with dew expected under lights, chasing could prove advantageous. The toss winner gains a slight edge in dictating the rhythm of this high‑scoring contest.
The online live streaming of the 2nd ODI match of the Tri-Nation Series in UAE 2026 will take place live on the FANCODE app. The live TV coverage for this series won’t be available in India.
Afghanistan should enter this contest as the firm favourite. They have the wood over Zimbabwe in the format and are yet to lose a game since 2018. Therefore, expect Afghanistan to have the last laugh in this encounter and open their tri-nation ODI series account with a comprehensive win. Therefore, as per our prediction, the visitors, Afghanistan, are expected to win the AFG vs ZIM 2nd ODI match.
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