AFG vs ZIM, 3rd ODI Preview: Battle to take lead in the series

The ODI series between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe is taking some interesting twists and turns. After losing the first ODI, the Zimbabweans came back strongly in the second. They beat Afghanistan by 154 runs, which is exactly the same margin of their defeat in the first ODI. The series is evenly-poised at the moment at 1-1. Hence, both the teams will be itching to grab a win against their name as it could potentially decide their fortunes in the series.

Interestingly, the scorelines in the first two ODIs were exactly the same only with the team names switched. Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, both scored exactly 333 for the loss of 5 wickets in the first two games. Furthermore, to everyone’s surprise, the sides chasing were bundled out exactly for 179 runs. Moreover, with no fightback from the losing team in the first two games, the fans would love to watch a close encounter this time.

The Afghans will want their bowlers to perform better in the third ODI. Both these teams would mostly prefer going into the third ODI with an unchanged XI. However, the hosts might fancy one change in their bowling department.

Playing Combinations

Afghanistan

The Afghan team hardly put a foot wrong in the series against Zimbabwe. and the visitors remained winless until the second ODI. They lost both the T20Is and the first ODI earlier. However, Afghanistan looked a touch off colour in the second match. Their bowlers let them down in the second ODI followed by a poor show from the batsmen. Two of their bowlers, namely Dawlat Zadran and Gulbadin Naib had a complete forgettable day at the office.

This duo conceded 181 runs in just the 17 overs they’ve bowled. They will be hoping for a much better all-round performance in the third ODI. For that, the openers have to fire in this game and provide them a positive start.

Probable XI: Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Ihsanullah Janat, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Stanikzai (C), Nasir Jamal, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Mujeeb Zadran.

Zimbabwe

With the first win of the tour, Zimbabwe will want to change the fortunes here on. They were excellent in the second ODI and impressed everyone with a comprehensive performance. However, Zimbabwe are overdependent on the likes of Hamilton Masakadza and Brendan Taylor as far as their batting is concerned. But with some great talent in their batting lineup, they will hope for all cylinders to fire if they are to put up a tough show in the 3rd ODI.

They will also want Sikander Raza to carry on his good form from the second ODI. Furthermore, Zimbabwe will have to be wary of threat from Rashid Khan and have to deal well with him. In all likelihood, they will go in with an unchanged XI into the 3rd ODI.

Probable XI: Solomon Mire, Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor (wk), Craig Ervine, Sikander Raza, Malcolm Waller, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer (C), Kyle Javris, Tendai Chatara, Brian Vitori.

Focus on-

Rahmat Shah: (Afghanistan)

Even though Rahmat played just 34 ODIs, he has evolved into a key person in the Afghanistan top-order. He has scored over 1,100 runs in his career thus far at an average just above 38. Rahmat hit a blistering century in the first ODI and followed it up with a quick-fire 43 in the second ODI. Rahmat was also awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ in the first game. The 24-year-old will be a key member of the Afghan side to watch out for in the 3rd ODI.

Brendan Taylor: (Zimbabwe)

Brendan Taylor has been one of the pillars of Zimbabwean middle order for quite some time now. He is a vital cog in their lineup and is the one opposition has to watch out for. Although he got off to a good start in the first ODI, he failed to convert into a big score. However, he made it up in the second game by scoring a blistering century. He scored 125 off just 121 deliveries. He is expected to produce more of the same kind to help his team take the lead in the series.

StatAttack

2,000 – Mohammad Shahzad needs 12 runs to complete 2,000 ODI runs.

Match Timing

Local Time: 14:30 hours (GMT +1 hour and 30 minutes)