Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Highlights, 1st ODI: Match is Abandoned due to Rain in Harare

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Abandoned due to rain and wet outfield

The inevitable happens as the news from the centre is that the match has been abandoned due to rain and wet outfield. The two sides shake hands in the dressing room. Two more matches left in the three-match series at this very venue. Do join us on August 19 afternoon to catch all the live action of the second ODI. Good bye for now!

Live Updates from Harare: Rain remains relentless

The rain has intensified, casting a gloomy atmosphere over the ground. With the artificial lights now on, it's clear that even if the downpour ceases, it will take a while for the groundsmen to prepare the field for play.

The wait continues as players endure the weather delay while no fans can be spotted in the stands

AFG vs ZIM 1st ODI Live: Continues to rain

The downpour continues at the Harare Sports Club, which only casts a shadow of doubt on the proceeding of the match. Not a single soul is on the field at the moment while the pitches are all covered! If the action resumes, we are all set to lose more overs

Zimbabwe 44/5 in 9.2 overs (28) Chris Ervine 1* Sikandar Raza 1*

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe LIVE: Rain Interrupts play

Rain halts play for the third time today! After delaying proceedings twice before the toss, the weather has intervened yet again. Zimbabwe's struggles continue under challenging overcast conditions, but the rain now forces the players off the field. The groundsmen rush in with the covers as frustration mounts for both sides.

Zimbabwe 44/5 in 9.2 overs (28) Chris Ervine 1* Sikandar Raza 1*

ZIM vs AFG 1st ODI Live Score: Azmatullah Omarzai takes four wickets in three overs!

TWO WICKETS AGAIN! Azmatullah Omarzai continues to wreak havoc! He removes Ben Curran (15) first, luring him into a drive with a full delivery swinging away. The edge is safely taken by Ikram Alikhil behind the stumps.

In the same over, Sean Williams (0) falls for a duck as Azmatullah strikes again, this time with a beautiful outswinger that Williams edges straight to the keeper. Zimbabwe's top order has crumbled under relentless swing and seam.

Zimbabwe 42/5 in 8 overs (28) Chris Ervine 0* Sikandar Raza 0*

ZIM vs AFG Live Updates: Zimbabwe lose third wicket!

LBW! Ghazanfar strikes in his very first over! The carrom ball does the trick as Dion Myers is trapped plumb in front, completely undone by the drift and straightening off the surface. Caught on the crease, Myers fails to connect while attempting to defend. A sharp start from Ghazanfar, who gets an immediate reward with his precision

Zimbabwe 41/3 in 7 overs (28) Ben Curran 15* Chris Ervine 0*

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Live Score: Early introduction of spin

Azmatullah continues to test the batters with his swing and seam movement, nearly sneaking one through Ben Curran's defenses. Dion Myers showed intent, driving crisply for a couple and pushing the fielders with sharp running. However, Azmatullah's erratic bouncer gifted Zimbabwe five wides, a bonus amid an otherwise disciplined over. Farooqi earlier provided moments of brilliance, troubling both batters with movement while Curran managed his first boundary with a confident drive past mid-off.

Afghan skipper turn to spin as mystery spinner Mohammad Allah Ghazanfar is introduced!

Zimbabwe 38/2 in 6 overs (28) Ben Curran 12* Dion Myers 12*

Live Updates from Harare: Azmatullah Omarazai takes back-to-back wickets!

Azmatullah strikes twice in two balls! He first clean bowls Marumani (6) with a beauty that swung in and seamed sharply, breaching the bat-pad gap. On the very next delivery, Brian Bennett (0) edges one straight to Nabi, who takes a stunning catch at second slip.

The two wickets came right after Marumani shot the first boundary in the last over

Zimbabwe 16/2 in 4.1 overs (28) Ben Curran 6* Dion Myers 3*

AFG vs ZIM 1st ODI Live: Revised playing conditions

Revised Playing Conditions:

• Match has been reduced to 28 overs.
• Powerplay Overs: 6, 17, and 5.
• Bowling Restrictions:3 bowlers can bowl a maximum of 6 overs.2 bowlers can bowl a maximum of 5 overs

Meanwhile pacer Azmatullah Omarzai bowls from the other ends gives away just two runs like his partner Fazal

Zimbabwe 6/0 in 2.4 over (28) Ben Curran 3* Tadiwanashe Marumani 2*

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe LIVE: Match begins

The match begins with debutant Ben Curran starting the Zimbabwe innings with Tadiwanashe Marumani while Fazalhaq Farooqi starts with the new ball

Zimbabwe 2/0 in 1 over (28) Ben Curran 1*Tadiwanashe Marumani 0*

ZIM vs AFG 1st ODI Live Score: Match starts at 1:15 PM local time

The match starts at 1:15 PM local time, 3:45 PM in Kabul and 4:45 PM in India

ZIM vs AFG Live Updates: Playing 11s

Afghanistan Playing XI:Rahmat Shah, Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Najibullah Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Zimbabwe Playing XI:Craig Ervine (c), Ben Curran, Tarisai Musakanda, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva (wk), Luke Jongwe, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chatara

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Live: Toss Update - Match is reduced to 28-over match

Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bowl first. Hashmatullah Shahidi, the Afghan captain, mentioned that the wicket is "a little bit spicy" and they plan to take advantage of the first 10 overs.

Zimbabwe's captain, Craig Ervine, confirmed that Ben Curran will make his ODI debut. The match will be a 28-over contest.

Live Updates from Harare: Covers are partly off!

The weather has improved significantly, with the groundsmen gradually removing some of the covers. While there's a chance of rain in the afternoon, things look promising for now.

The Super Sopper is hard at work, and although the pitch and part of the square remain covered, conditions are improving.

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe LIVE: No more rain

Things are looking up in Harare with the clouds gradually clearing and a patch of blue sky visible. The ground staff is busy preparing the pitch, and with the umbrellas down, it seems we are in for some action today.

ZIM vs AFG 1st ODI: Rain stopped!

POSTIVE DEVELOPMENT! The rain has stopped, and the umpires are out inspecting the field. The covers are still in place, and a few puddles have formed on them. Expect the ritual of groundstaff trying to dry the outfield soon

ZIM vs AFG Weather Updates: Rain is back!

Weather Update: Unfortunately, the rain has returned in Harare, and the covers are back on. The fourth umpire is now out with an umbrella, and the groundstaff have ensured the pitch and surrounding areas remain protected. The skies are gloomy, casting doubt over an immediate resumption. Fans will need to stay patient as we wait for clearer conditions.

Live Updates from Harare: No more rain, sky is clearer while groundstaff at work!

The groundstaff is hard at work preparing the field in Harare. While there are still a few puddles in the outfield, the excellent drainage system offers hope. A mix of clouds and blue skies is visible, suggesting the weather is improving. As soon as the outfield is dry enough to start, we will know the toss timing!

AFG vs ZIM 1st ODI Live: Rain has stopped!

There's good news from Harare as the rain has stopped, and the weather is improving. The groundstaff and fourth umpire are assessing conditions, with the efficient drainage system raising hopes for play soon.

However, puddles in the outfield remain a concern, and efforts are underway to prepare the field. Fingers crossed for action resuming shortly!

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Weather Update LIVE: Rain continues

The weather in Harare isn't showing much promise for the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI. It continues to rain steadily, with covers firmly in place. Puddles are beginning to form at the corners of the field, indicating that the delay might be extended. Fans will need to be patient as we await further updates on whether play can resume today.

ZIM vs AFG 1st ODI Live Score: Latest Weather Update

No positive news for the fans from Harare as it continues to rain in Harare. The rain may remain persistent for the next 60 minutes, forecasts accuweather

ZIM vs AFG Live Updates: Rahmanullah Gurbaz out of ODI series

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has confirmed via X that Rahmanullah Gurbaz is out of the ODI series due to a grade 2B quadriceps injury and a hip flexor issue. Mohammad Ishaq will replace him. Additionally, Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been rested as he continues his recovery from an injury.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Live Score: Toss is delayed due to rain

Rain has delayed the start of the game in Harare, with a drizzle persisting throughout the morning. The toss, originally scheduled earlier, has also been postponed as officials wait for the weather to improve. Stay tuned for further udpates