ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Prediction, 2nd ODI: Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Fantasy XI, Captain and Vice-Captain Choices

ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Prediction: Hosts Zimbabwe will face Afghanistan in the second ODI of their three-match series at Harare Sports Club on December 19, 2024, starting from 1:00 PM IST.

The first ODI between the two teams was washed out due to rain, leaving both teams eager to make a statement. Afghanistan’s bowlers dominated the initial proceedings in the first ODI, dismissing Zimbabwe for a mere 44/5 before the rain interruption.

This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Zimbabwe aiming to bounce back and challenge Afghanistan's strong bowling attack. Zimbabwe is coming off a tough few months, including a series loss to Pakistan. However, they have the talent to challenge the visitors, with Craig Ervine and Sean Williams leading the batting department.

Afghanistan, meanwhile, has been on an impressive run, having defeated South Africa and Bangladesh in recent series. Their bowling, spearheaded by Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, has been formidable, making them the team to beat in this contest.

Match Information:

Date: December 19, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM IST
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe
Broadcast: Fancode
Live Stream: Fancode

ZIM vs AFG 2nd ODI Pitch and Weather Conditions

The weather in Harare is expected to remain sunny throughout the day, with minimal chances of rain. Temperatures will hover around 27°C, providing perfect conditions for a full game. As for the pitch, it offers pace and bounce early on, favouring the fast bowlers. However, as the game progresses, spinners could come into play, especially in the middle overs. Historically, an average first-innings total at Harare Sports Club stands at just 212 runs, making chasing a viable option for the captain winning the toss.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Preview

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe will need to improve their batting after a poor showing in the first ODI. Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, and Sean Williams form the core of their batting order, but the team will rely on youngsters like Ben Curran and Tadiwanashe Marumani to step up. With Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava leading the bowling attack, Zimbabwe will be hoping for early breakthroughs to put pressure on Afghanistan's batting.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan's bowling unit, which impressed in the previous match, will be key to their strategy. Azmatullah Omarzai\'s brilliant four-wicket haul destroyed Zimbabwe's top order, and with Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi in their ranks, Afghanistan's bowlers are in prime form. Their batting, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah, provides the necessary stability. Afghanistan will look to continue their dominance in this match and gain a lead in the series.

Key Players

Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (captain) - A seasoned opener and a key figure in Zimbabwe's middle order, Ervine's leadership will be crucial to Zimbabwe's chances. His experience in handling pressure situations makes him a vital asset for the team.
Sikandar Raza - One of Zimbabwe's most reliable all-rounders, Raza brings depth to both the batting and bowling departments. His ability to turn the game in both aspects makes him a valuable player.
Blessing Muzarabani - The standout bowler for Zimbabwe, Muzarabani has the pace and bounce to trouble any batting lineup. His ability to strike early will be key to setting up Zimbabwe's bowling attack.
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan - Arguably one of the world's best T20 and ODI spinners, Rashid Khan's ability to take crucial wickets in the middle overs can break partnerships and swing the momentum in Afghanistan's favour. His accuracy and variations are a constant threat to opposition batsmen.
Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain) - A steady and dependable batsman in Afghanistan's middle order, Shahidi’s ability to anchor the innings is crucial. His leadership skills will also play a pivotal role in guiding his team through tough situations.
Azmatullah Omarzai - Having impressed with his all-round abilities, Omarzai is a rising star for Afghanistan. His pace bowling and power-hitting in the lower order will be important in both restricting Zimbabwe and contributing with the bat.

ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Prediction

Wicketkeepers:

Tadiwanashe Marumani, Ikram Alikhil

Batters:

Craig Ervine, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, Abdul Malik

All-rounders:

Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai

Bowlers:

Rashid Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Richard Ngarava

Captain Choices:

Rashid Khan, Sikandar Raza

Vice-Captain Choices:

Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai

ZIM vs AFG Team News (Injury Updates)

There are no major injury concerns for either team going into this match, but both squads are expected to make tactical changes based on the conditions. Zimbabwe might consider altering their top-order batting line-up, while Afghanistan could rotate their pacers for better match-ups.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Probable Playing XI:

Zimbabwe: Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Ben Curran, Dion Myers, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu
Afghanistan: Sidiqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naved Zadran

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Full Squad:

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Craig Ervine (c), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Victor Nyauchi, Wellington Masakadza, Trevor Gwandu, Joylord Gumbie, Ben Curran, Newman Nyamhuri
Afghanistan: Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Rahmat Shah, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, AM Ghazanfar, Nangeyalia Kharote, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Ikram Alikhil, Abdul Malik, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran