Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan T20I Match Preview – 29 October 2025

Match Details

• Date: Wednesday, 29 October 2025
• Time: 11:30 AM GMT | 05:00 PM IST | 01:30 PM Local
• Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe
• Series: Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2025 – 1st T20I
• Format: T20 International
• Event: Part of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualification Series

Match Background

The first of a three-match T20I series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan kicks off at the Harare Sports Club. This match marks the start of both teams' preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held later in the year. The Harare Sports Club, a high-quality batting-friendly venue, has seen an average first-innings score of 162.1 in recent years, with teams batting first enjoying a slight advantage.

The Chevrons (Zimbabwe) come into this contest in fine form, having qualified for the World Cup with an unbeaten run in the Africa Qualifier. The Afghans, on the other hand, have a strong T20I pedigree and have historically dominated this fixture, winning four of the last five encounters.

Team Form and Strengths

Zimbabwe (Chevrons)

Zimbabwe have been in excellent form, winning their recent five qualifiers by convincing margins. They are led by veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza, with Brian Bennett providing consistent runs and Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava offering reliable bowling options. The return of Graeme Cremer, after a seven-year absence, adds depth to the spin department and brings in valuable experience.

• Top Run-Scorer (2025): Brian Bennett (708 runs in 18 T20Is)
• Top Wicket-Taker (2025): Richard Ngarava (25 wickets in 15 innings)
• Key All-Rounder: Brad Evans (18 wickets in 10 games at 13.2)

Afghanistan (Afghans)

Afghanistan, despite some recent inconsistencies, remain a formidable side in T20 cricket. Their strength lies in the spin department, with Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad being among the most dangerous in the format. The batting, led by Sediqullah Atal and Rashid Khan, has shown enough to compete against top-tier opposition.

• Top Run-Scorer (2025): Sediqullah Atal (306 runs at 34)
• Top Wicket-Taker (2025): Rashid Khan (18 wickets in 10 games at 13.8)
• Key Bowler: Noor Ahmad (11 wickets in 31 overs at 17.9)

Venue Insights – Harare Sports Club

• Average 1st Innings Score (2022–2025): 162.1
• Win Percentage for Batting First: 54.1%
• Win Percentage for Batting Second: 45.9%
• Wickets per Innings: ~6.8 wickets
• Spin vs Pace Wicket Breakdown: 63.5% (pace), 36.5% (spin)

The pitch at Harare has been a true batting paradise in recent years, with a slight advantage to the team batting first. However, the spin-friendly nature of the pitch could play into Afghanistan’s hands, especially with Rashid Khan in the mix.

Key Match-up

• Zimbabwe’s Strength: Balanced squad with emerging stars and experience
• Afghanistan’s Strength: Spin-heavy attack and world-class all-rounders
• Head-to-Head (Last 5): Afghanistan 4 – 1 Zimbabwe
• Player to Watch: Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) vs Richard Ngarava (Zimbabwe)
• Toss Prediction: Zimbabwe
• Match Winner Prediction: Afghanistan

Predicted Player Performances

• Top Batter (Runs): Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe) vs Sediqullah Atal (Afghanistan)
• Top Bowler (Wickets): Richard Ngarava (Zimbabwe) vs Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
• Most Sixes: Ryan Burl (Zimbabwe) vs Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)
• Player of the Match: Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

Final Thoughts

This match promises to be an exciting clash between two teams with contrasting styles. Zimbabwe, with their recent form and home advantage, will look to end Afghanistan’s dominance in their previous meetings. However, Afghanistan's depth in spin and T20I experience gives them a slight edge. The toss could be pivotal, and whoever wins it will likely go on to dictate the match.

Prediction: Afghanistan by 6–8 wickets
Predicted Match Score:

• Zimbabwe (batting first): 155–160
• Afghanistan (chasing): 165–170