Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan – One-off Test Match Preview

Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
Time: 09:00 GMT (1:30 PM IST)
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe
Format: One-off Test

Match Background

Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are set to clash in a one-off Test match at the Harare Sports Club on October 20, 2025. This marks Zimbabwe’s first home Test in Harare since 2021 and the second time these two teams will meet in a Test format. Afghanistan had previously tasted victory in Zimbabwe during their 2024 tour, winning a two-Test series 2-0. The current match is the highlight of a four-day tour, which will be followed by a three-match T20I series.

This Test offers a pivotal opportunity for Zimbabwe to reclaim home dominance, especially with a strong and competitive squad fielded under the leadership of Craig Ervine. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their strong away record and assert their growing credentials as a Test-playing nation.

Venue Conditions

The Harare Sports Club has traditionally provided a balanced surface, with a green tinge in the early days of the match. While it favors seam bowlers initially, the pitch has a tendency to flatten out by the fourth or fifth day, offering batting-friendly conditions. The overcast Harare skies often assist spinners, especially during the evening sessions. The home side will be banking on their seamers to make early inroads, while Afghanistan will look to their spinners to exploit the conditions as the game progresses.

Team News & Squads

Zimbabwe (15 Players):

• Captain: Craig Ervine
• Wicketkeeper: Craig Ervine (wk)
• Squad: Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Wellington Masakza, Tinotenda Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani, Antum Naqvi, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Brendan Taylor, Nick Welch.

Zimbabwe’s squad blends experience with youth, featuring veteran stalwart Brendan Taylor and debutant Tinotenda Maposa. The inclusion of Antum Naqvi adds all-round versatility. The spin department is led by Muzarabani, while Ervine and Taylor provide stability with the bat.

Afghanistan (15 Players):

• Captain: Hashmatullah Shahidi
• Wicketkeeper (wk): Afsar Zazai, Ikram Alikhel
• Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Abdul Malik, Afsar Zazai (wk), Ikram Alikhel (wk), Bahir Shah, Shahidullah Kamal, Ismat Alam, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Khalil Gurbaz, Bashir Ahmad.

Afghanistan’s side is packed with experienced campaigners and includes two wicketkeepers, offering flexibility in the middle and lower order. Their spin attack is formidable, with Abdul Malik and possibly Bahir Shah expected to play key roles. The batting line-up is balanced, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran providing the middle-order stability.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Craig Ervine vs Afghanistan’s Seam Attack:
   The Zimbabwean captain will be crucial with the bat, and his ability to counter the early aggression of Afghanistan’s pacemen could dictate the game’s direction.

2. Blessing Muzarabani vs Zia Ur Rahman Akbar:
   A battle between Zimbabwe’s premier spinner and Afghanistan’s experienced off-spinner could influence the momentum, especially in the middle overs.

3. Zimbabwe’s Youth vs Afghanistan’s Experience:
   Debutants like Tinotenda Maposa and Antum Naqvi will be tested against a well-drilled Afghan side that has gained valuable experience on overseas tours.

Prediction

Both teams are evenly matched, with Afghanistan having the edge in recent encounters. However, home advantage, a potentially flattening pitch, and the experience of players like Brendan Taylor could tilt the balance in Zimbabwe’s favor.

Prediction:

• Zimbabwe by a narrow margin
• Match likely to be competitive and closely fought, with the result possibly hinging on the first innings score and the form of the spinners.

Live Streaming & TV Coverage

• India: FanCode app and website
• Zimbabwe: ZBC TV
• Afghanistan: Araina TV

Conclusion

The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Test promises to be an intriguing contest between two emerging Test sides. With the Harare pitch offering a mix of challenges, this match is set to test the depth and adaptability of both squads. Fans can look forward to a thrilling battle of skill and strategy.
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