Zimbabwe and Afghanistan face off in the first ODI of the Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024 at Harare Sports Club. Afghanistan enters the series as favorites, but Zimbabwe’s recent spirited performance in the T20Is makes this clash intriguing. They won the opening T20I but lost the three-game bilateral series. Below is the detailed match breakdown, including pitch conditions, weather forecasts, and key players to help you create a winning Dream11 team.
ZIM vs AFG 1st ODI: Match Details
- Match: 1st ODI, Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan
- Date and Time: Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 1:00 PM IST
- Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
ZIM vs AFG 1st ODI: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The pitch at Harare Sports Club favors batters initially but slows down, assisting spinners in the middle overs. The average first-innings score of 230 suggests a competitive total. Batters will need to play spin carefully, and bowlers can exploit the dry surface.
- Average 1st Innings Score: 230
- Best Bowling Style: Spin Bowlers
Weather Forecast:
- Temperature: 24-26°C
- Humidity: 80-85%
- Rain Probability: 30%
Rain interruptions may be minimal, but humidity could aid seam movement in the evening.
Zimbabwe Team Preview and Probable XI
Zimbabwe will rely on their experienced all-rounders and spinners to challenge Afghanistan. Craig Ervine leads a balanced side with Sikandar Raza’s all-around brilliance and Sean Williams’ solidity at the core.
Probable Playing XI:
- Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk)
- Brian Bennett
- Craig Ervine (c)
- Sean Williams
- Sikandar Raza
- Wesley Madhevere
- Dion Myers
- Wellington Masakadza
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Richard Ngarava
- Trevor Gwandu
Key Players to Watch:
- Sikandar Raza: Zimbabwe’s linchpin with both bat and ball. His spin bowling and power hitting are critical.
- Sean Williams: A reliable batter who anchors the innings and can chip in with the ball.
- Blessing Muzarabani: Zimbabwe’s pace spearhead with the ability to swing the new ball.
Afghanistan Team Preview and Probable XI
Afghanistan boasts a formidable spin attack and solid top-order batting led by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. With Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman leading their bowling, they remain favorites in Harare’s conditions.
Probable Playing XI:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Abdul Malik
- Allah Mohammad
- Rashid Khan
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Farid Malik
- Naveen-ul-Haq
Key Players to Watch:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Explosive opener capable of setting the tone early.
- Rashid Khan: Afghanistan’s trump card with his world-class leg-spin and ability to strike crucial blows.
- Azmatullah Omarzai: An emerging all-rounder who offers balance with both bat and ball.
Dream11 Fantasy Prediction for ZIM vs AFG 1st ODI
A well-rounded Dream11 team with a combination of top batters, all-rounders, and wicket-taking bowlers will help you maximise points.
ZIM vs AFG 1st ODI 1st ODI: Suggested Dream11 Team:
ZIM vs AFG: Key Matchups and Tactical Insights
- Afghanistan’s Spin Trio vs Zimbabwe’s Middle Order: Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Allah Mohammad will be critical against Zimbabwe’s batters, especially Raza and Williams.
- Blessing Muzarabani vs Afghanistan’s Top Order: Muzarabani’s swing will challenge Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah early on.
- Sikandar Raza’s Dual Role: His ability to bowl tight overs and score quick runs makes him a key asset for Zimbabwe.
- Who Will Win ZIM vs AFG 1st ODI?
- Afghanistan holds the edge, having won seven of their last ten ODIs against Zimbabwe. Their spin attack and batting depth make them favorites. However, Zimbabwe’s strength in home conditions, coupled with the experience of Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams, makes them dangerous opponents.
- Prediction: Afghanistan to win the 1st ODI.
Live Streaming: ZIM vs AFG 1st ODI
Unfortunately, Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan first ODI won’t be telecasted live on any television channel in India. Only FanCode will be the official streaming option, which can be accessed with nominal pass fee.
