T20I Tri-series 2019, Match 5, Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details

The 5th match of the Bangladesh Tri-series will be played between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhary Stadium in Chattogram.

The match starts at 6:00 PM local time [12:30 PM GMT] [6:30 PM IST].

This series will be live on Star Sports 2 and Star Sports Select HD 2. Live streaming available on Hotstar.

Preview

We are down to the final leg of the T20I Tri-series between hosts Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe. The 5th match will see Zimbabwe locking horns with Afghanistan in what is essentially a dead-rubber. Both teams couldn’t have more contrasting fortunes going into this game.

While Zimbabwe has been knocked out of the competition courtesy three back-to-back defeats, Afghanistan is flying high on an 11-match winning streak and have looked the best side in the tournament thus far with Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman leading the way. The last time these two sides’ met, Najibullah Zadran [69] and Mohammad Nabi [38] smoked seven sixes in a row that propelled the Afghans an eventual match-winning total of 5-197.

While Zimbabwe will look to shrug off the ignominy of defeats and salvage some pride, Afghanistan will look to do what they have been thus far: beat anyone who comes against them.

Weather Report

The weather report for the 5th T20I at Chattogram cuts a sorry tale, unfortunately. As per the reports, scattered thunderstorms are expected on Friday. There is a 50 percent chance of precipitation, meaning we might be in for a shortened game.

Pitch Report

With rain expected on Friday, the moisture in the pitch might help the fast bowlers on what has been a good track to bat on thus far in the tournament, with teams regularly scoring 190+.

Average First Innings score: 145 (Last 18 T20Is)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 8, Lost -10

Probable Playing XIs

Zimbabwe

Brendan Taylor (wk), Hamilton Masakadza (C), Regis Chakabva, Sean Williams, Tinotenda Mutumbodzi, Ryan Burl, Richmond Mutumbami, Neville Madziva, Kyle Jarvis, Chris Mpofu, Ainsley Ndlovu

Bench – Timycen Maruma, Tony Munyonga, Tendai Chatara, Craig Ervine

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Najeeb Tarkai, Ashgar Afghan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan [c], Fareed Malik, Mujeeb Ur-Rahman

Bench- Dawlat Zadran, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Shahidullah Kamal, Shafiqullah Shafiq, Fazal Niazai, Naveen-ul-Haq

Team News

(Will be shared when there’s an update)

Top Picks

Zimbabwe’s misery can be testified from the fact that in the leading run-scorer list the batsmen representing them have just 83 runs [Ryan Burl] and 58 runs [Tinotenda Mutumbodzi] against their name; testing what a horror show it has been by their experienced top-order. Once again the onus will be on Brandon Taylor, Hamilton Masakadza and Sean Wiliams to spearhead the fledgeling batting unit. Picking Kyle Jarvis [5 wickets at 23.20] could be worth a punt considering the match is going to affect by rain.

Afghanistan’s batting- especially their middle-order- has been in prime form in the tournament. Spearheading it the vile Mohammad Nabi, who [122 runs in 2 matches] also happens to be the leading run-scorer of the tournament. The likes of Najibullah Zadran [74 runs in 2 games] has given him ideal support and the duo will once again be the key for the Afghans. The bowling unit, as always, will be spearheaded by Mujeeb [4 wickets in 2 games], Rashid Khan [4 wickets in 2 games].

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captaincy Options: Mohammad Nabi, Brendan Taylor, Rashid Khan

Vice-Captaincy Options: Ryan Burl, Najibullah Zadran, Kyle Jarvis

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues

Wicket-keeper– Brendan Taylor

Batsmen– Hamilton Masakadza, Najibullah Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai

All-Rounders- Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Mohammad Nabi [c], Ryan Burl [vc]

Bowlers– Kyle Jarvis, Chris Mpofu, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur-Rahman

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues

Wicket-keeper– Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Batsmen– Hamilton Masakadza, Najibullah Zadran, Asghar Afghan

All-Rounders- Ryan Burl, Mohammad Nabi [c], Gulbadin Naib

Bowlers– Kyle Jarvis [vc], Rashid Khan, Fareed Malik, Chris Mpofu

Expert Advice:

With rain expected to have her say in the encounter, the wicket might have some moisture for the fast bowlers to exploit. Making any of the seamers as captain/vice-captain in your Grand League side could be worth a punt. Also, Mohammad Nabi, his selection as captain is a no-brainer!

Probable Winners:

T20 is a funny game which can sometimes come back to bite you for your prediction. So, keeping that in, I’ll still say Afghanistan start as overwhelming favourites. Funnier things have happened though. Underestimate Zimbabwe at your own peril.