AFG Finished.545/4d & 108/4 - 287 & 365 ZIM
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd Test Predictions and Preview
10Mar
Cricket Predictions Test

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd Test Predictions and Preview

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10.03.2021, 11:00 IST
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Underdog stories exist at every level of every sport, and one such story unfolded over the course of a short two days when Afghanistan met Zimbabwe on the field for their first ever Test encounter. The outcome was by no means what anyone expected, with most expecting the exact opposite, and has left both teams united in shock and disbelief, and separated by feelings of triumph and loss. Now, Zimbabwe will look to win their first Test series in years, while Afghanistan will aim for damage control by tying up the 2-match series and leaving with dignity and a lesson learned. Before the second match commences, let’s take a look at the two teams. 


Afghanistan

Predicted XI for 2nd Test vs Zimbabwe

Asghar Afghan (c), Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afsar Zazai (wk), Rashid Khan, Ibrahim Zadran, Amir Hamza, Sayed Shirzad, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zahir Khan.


Preview and form

Every time goes through rises and falls, but the higher you’re flying, the more the fall will hurt. Afghanistan were pretty confident going into this, but now they’ll have to pick themselves up. Batting first, Ibrahim Zadran got off to a strong start despite losing his partner off of the very first ball, but his 31 was the only score other than Afsar Zazai’s 37 that crossed 16, and Afghanistan found themselves bowled out for a miserable 131. In response, the Afghans started well, but despite Amir Hamza’s excellent 6-wicket haul and support from Zahir Khan and Yamin Ahmadzai, they couldn’t keep Zimbabwe from scoring almost twice their tally. 


In the second innings, Ibrahim Zadran was superb with his 76, but he got no support from his fellow batsmen. With the second-highest score being Amir Hamza’s 21, Afghanistan crumbled for just 135, giving Zimbabwe a laughable 17-run target that they attained in 3.2 overs.


Afghanistan key players for 2nd Test vs Zimbabwe

Ibrahim Zadran: The only man in the entire lineup that looked like he is made for Test batting, Zadran must do his best for his team’s sake.


Hashmatullah Shahidi: For all his experience, Shahidi should really do better.


Amir Hamza: Superb in the first Test, Hamza will be the strike bowler for the Afghans given that Rashid Khan is struggling to find form.


Rashid Khan: Speaking of which, Rashid needs to find said form if his team is to have a good chance.



Zimbabwe

Predicted XI for 2nd Test vs Afghanistan

Sean Williams (c), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza, Regis Chakabva (wk), Wesley Madhevere, Tarisai Musakanda, Prince Masvaure, Blessing Muzarabani, Victor Nyauchi, Donald Tiripano, Kevin Kasuza.


Preview and form

It’s hard to steady yourself when the first part of something thought was going to be difficult turns out to be easy as pie, but Zimbabwe are going to have to prepare themselves for a much tougher test this time around. In the first innings of the previous match, the talented duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Victor Nyauchi picked up 7 wickets between them to hamstring the ‘home’ side, with three others sharing the rest of the spoils. Their own first innings didn’t start smoothly, but captain Sean Williams’ important century, with support from Sikandar Raza’s 43 and Regis Chakabva’s 44 helped the team set up a strong 119-run lead with 250 total. 


In the second innings, Nyauchi took another 3 wickets, while Tiripano equalled him and Muzarabani took one less. Together, they stifled any hopes the Afghans had of a recovery by bowling them out early, and with a target of 17, it wasn’t long before Zimbabwe had the win pinned down. 


Zimbabwe key players for 2nd Test vs Afghanistan

Sean Williams: After a match-winning performance, Williams will be an integral part of any success Zimbabwe get.


Wesley Madhevere: He may have flopped completely in the first Test, but Madhevere will be back to do better.


Blessing Muzarabani: It seems that nothing can stop Muzarabani from taking wickets given his form.


Victor Nyauchi: Nyauchi made a strong case for himself in the first Test, and we can’t wait to see how he does in the second.



Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe pitch report and weather conditions 

The pitch at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium offers plenty of movement on account of conditions being dry, but is also decent to bat on for the same reason. With time, it will help spinners more and more, so it’s advisable to bat first, and get at least 350+ on the board.


The good thing about cricket in Abu Dhabi is that outside of summer, the weather is almost always ideal for cricket - as it will be throughout this Test.


Can Afghanistan come back with a bang to level the series? Or will Zimbabwe manage to bring glory to their name after a dry decade? Find out if our Afghanistan versus Zimbabwe predictions come true starting Wednesday!

Match Winner:
Zimbabwe
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Toss:
ZIM
AFG Top Batsman:
I Zadran
ZIM Top Batsman:
S Williams
AFG Top Bowler (Wickets):
A Hamza
ZIM Top Bowler (Wickets):
B Muzarabani
Players to score a fifty:
I Zadran/H Shahidi/A Zazai (AFG), S Williams/W Madhevere/R Chakabva (ZIM)
Players to score a century:
I Zadran/H Shahidi (AFG), S Williams/W Madhevere (ZIM)
Most fours:
ZIM
Most sixes:
ZIM
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