ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Prediction, 3rd T20I: Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Fantasy XI, Captain and Vice-Captain Choices

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ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Prediction, 3rd T20I: Zimbabwe and Afghanistan gear up for an electrifying decider in their three-match T20I series at the Harare Sports Club on December 14, 2024.

Both teams are coming off contrasting performances in the previous games, with Zimbabwe clinching a nail-biting victory in the opener and Afghanistan roaring back in the second match.

This decider promises a thrilling contest as Sikandar Raza's men look to overcome Afghanistan's all-round brilliance under Rashid Khan. With the series tied 1-1, all eyes will be on the Harare pitch and weather conditions, which might play a crucial role in determining the outcome.

Match Information

• Date: 14 December 2024
• Time: 5:00 PM (IST)
• Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
• Broadcast: FanCode
• Live Stream: FanCode App

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The Harare Sports Club has historically been a balanced wicket with something for everyone. While the fast bowlers may get assistance with the new ball, spinners often dominate the middle overs. The average first innings score here hovers around 160, making it a competitive but tricky surface.

Weather-wise, expect cloudy skies during the match with possible light drizzle in the second half. Temperatures are forecasted to range between 22-25°C. Teams winning the toss might prefer to bowl first due to overcast conditions and the DLS factor.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Preview

Zimbabwe (ZIM): Zimbabwe’s campaign in this series has been a tale of highs and lows. Captain Sikandar Raza has been the team’s backbone, contributing with both bat and ball. His leadership and all-round skills are crucial for Zimbabwe’s success.

In the batting department, Brian Bennett has been promising at the top but needs to convert starts into significant scores. Ryan Burl, known for his composure under pressure, will be tasked with providing a late flourish in the lower order.

On the bowling front, Blessing Muzarabani has consistently delivered with the new ball, exploiting the conditions at Harare to trouble batters. Spinner Wellington Masakadza will be pivotal in the middle overs, especially against Afghanistan’s spin-aggressive lineup. Zimbabwe will also look to Richard Ngarava for breakthroughs at crucial moments.

Afghanistan (AFG): Afghanistan has showcased their prowess in the shortest format, led by their charismatic captain Rashid Khan. Known as the best spinner in the world in T20 cricket, Rashid’s leadership, bowling, and ability to step up in pressure moments make him indispensable. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been a livewire at the top, often providing quick starts that set the tone for the innings.

In the middle order, Darvesh Rasooli played a match-winning knock in the second T20I and will aim to replicate his form in the decider. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi brings stability and experience to the lineup, while pacer Naveen-ul-Haq has been effective with his variations in death overs. Afghanistan’s spin arsenal, with Mujeeb ur Rahman joining forces with Rashid, is undoubtedly their strongest weapon.

Key Players

• Sikandar Raza (ZIM): The skipper has been in excellent form with impactful performances in both games. His ability to take wickets and score quick runs makes him a match-winner.
• Ryan Burl (ZIM): Known for his late-order hitting, Burl’s unbeaten 35 in the first game helped Zimbabwe clinch a thriller. His all-round contributions will be vital.
• Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM): The tall pacer is Zimbabwe’s key weapon with the ball. His disciplined line and ability to extract bounce make him dangerous in Harare.
• Rashid Khan (AFG): A player who needs no introduction, Rashid picked up three wickets in the second match and will look to spin a web around Zimbabwe’s batters in the decider.
• Darvesh Rasooli (AFG): Rasooli’s 65-run knock in the last game was a masterclass in pacing an innings under pressure. He is Afghanistan’s most dependable batter in the middle order.
• Mujeeb ur Rahman (AFG): The mystery spinner complements Rashid perfectly and has consistently troubled batters with his sharp variations.

ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Prediction

• Wicketkeepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
• Batters: Darvesh Rasooli, Brian Bennett, Wesley Madhevere
• All-rounders: Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Nabi, Ryan Burl
• Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq
• Captain Choices: Rashid Khan, Sikandar Raza
• Vice-Captain Choices: Darvesh Rasooli, Ryan Burl

Team News

• Zimbabwe: All players are fit; no injury concerns reported.
• Afghanistan: Full squad available for selection.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Probable Playing XI

Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Wesley Madhevere, Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sidiqullah Atal, Darvesh Rasooli, Zubaid Akbari, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fareed Ahmed Malik

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Full Squads

Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Wesley Madhevere, Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, Milton Shumba, Sean Williams, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe

Afghanistan: Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sidiqullah Atal, Darvesh Rasooli, Zubaid Akbari, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fareed Ahmed Malik, Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Usman Ghani, Sharafuddin Ashraf