Match Preview: Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan – 2nd T20I, 31st October 2025

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
Time: 11:30 AM GMT / 1:30 PM Local Time
Series: Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2025 – 2nd T20I
Format: T20 International

Match Context

The second T20I between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will be played on Friday, 31st October 2025, at the Harare Sports Club. Coming off a commanding 180/6 to 127 defeat in the first match, Zimbabwe will be eager to bounce back and make a statement in the home series. On the other hand, Afghanistan will look to extend their dominance in the T20I format, having won 16 of the 18 previous meetings against Zimbabwe.

The Harare pitch typically favors the batting side, especially in the shorter format, and with the weather expected to be fine, it could be a high-scoring encounter. The match promises to be a tight contest, with both teams having strong squads and experienced players.

Team Analysis

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe enters the match with a mix of experience and emerging talent. Captain Sikandar Raza is the heartbeat of the side, and his all-round contributions will be crucial. The middle order is bolstered by players like Brendan Taylor and Ryan Burl, who can accelerate the innings when needed.

The pace attack, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, offers a potent threat with the new ball. However, Zimbabwe struggled with the chase in the first match, scoring only 127 against a total of 180. They will need to improve their shot selection and strike rotation to be competitive.

Key Players to Watch:

• Sikandar Raza – Captain, all-rounder
• Brendan Taylor – Senior batter, anchor of the innings
• Blessing Muzarabani – Fast bowler, key in powerplay

Afghanistan

Afghanistan, ranked 10th in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings, is a formidable side in the format. With the return of Rashid Khan, the team's spin department is in prime form, and his leadership has brought renewed confidence to the squad.

Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are the explosive batters, capable of changing the course of a match with their aggressive strokeplay. The bowling unit is balanced with spin and pace, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi offering late breakthroughs. Afghanistan's ability to post and chase big totals has been consistent, and they will be favorites again in this match.

Key Players to Watch:

• Rashid Khan – Captain, leg-spinner, all-rounder
• Ibrahim Zadran – Explosive finisher
• Mujeeb Ur Rahman – Death-overs specialist

Form Guide

• Zimbabwe (Last 5 T20Is):

  • 3 wins, 2 losses
  • Best performance: 185/4 against Netherlands (2024)
  • Captain: Sikandar Raza – 145 runs, 7 wickets in last 5 matches

• Afghanistan (Last 5 T20Is):

  • 4 wins, 1 loss
  • Best performance: 201/3 against UAE (2025)
  • Captain: Rashid Khan – 98 runs, 12 wickets in last 5 matches

Predictions & Fantasy Insights

• Toss Prediction: Afghanistan
• Win Prediction: Afghanistan
• Top Batter (Zimbabwe): Brendan Taylor
• Top Batter (Afghanistan): Sediqullah Atal
• Top Bowler (Zimbabwe): Sikandar Raza
• Top Bowler (Afghanistan): Mujeeb Ur Rahman
• Most Sixes (Zimbabwe): Sikandar Raza
• Most Sixes (Afghanistan): Darwish Rasooli
• Player of the Match: Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan)

Probable Playing XIs:

Zimbabwe:
Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Brad Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor

Afghanistan:
Rashid Khan (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Match Forecast

Afghanistan is expected to win the toss and choose to bat first, aiming to post a competitive total in the 170-180 range. With their explosive batting lineup and spin-heavy bowling attack, they are well-equipped to control the game from start to finish. Zimbabwe, despite the home advantage, will need a near-perfect performance to challenge Afghanistan, especially if the Afghan openers get off to a flying start.

Final Prediction: Afghanistan by 8-10 runs
Target Prediction: 170-175
Winning Margin: Tight finish, but Afghanistan edges it.

Broadcast & Streaming Details

• Zimbabwe: ZBC
• Afghanistan: Lemar TV, My Etisalat AFG app
• USA & Canada: Sling TV Willow TV
• India: Fancode

Conclusion

The second T20I between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan promises to be an exciting contest with both teams having the firepower to win. Afghanistan, however, looks slightly stronger with their balance and recent form, making them the favorites. Zimbabwe will need to play a near-flawless game to upset the odds, but the Harare pitch and Afghanistan's experience might tip the scales in their favor.
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