The opening One-Day International of Zimbabwe’s three-match home series against Afghanistan will take place at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Tuesday. Afghanistan is in control after a 2-1 T20I series victory under Rashid Khan, but Zimbabwe will be keen to recover and make a big impression in this ODI match.
Afghanistan’s batting lineup will rely heavily on Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi. Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi are expected to deliver as key all-rounders, while Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rashid Khan, and Allah Ghazanfar will lead the bowling attack.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will look to Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, and Sikandar Raza for impactful performances with the bat. Meanwhile, the fast-bowling duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava will play a crucial role in countering Afghanistan’s strong lineup.
Harare Sports Club Pitch Report
Harare Sports Club Pitch Report
The Harare Sports Club pitch was slow during the T20I series, but it may behave differently in ODIs, as it has traditionally supported batting in the 50-over format. Morning moisture will assist fast bowlers, offering swing and seam movement. As the game progresses, the pitch will become better for batting, with some spin expected. Teams batting second have historically had an advantage.
Harare Sports Club Stats in T20I
| Total Matches | 58 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 34 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 23 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 153 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 133 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 234/2 (20 Ovs) by IND vs ZIM |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 99/10 (19.5 Ovs) by PAK vs ZIM |
| Highest Score Chased | 194/5 (19.2 Ovs) by BAN vs ZIM |
| Lowest Score Defended | 115/9 (20 Ovs) by ZIM vs IND |
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