When and Where to Watch Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, Live Streaming, Match Preview, Timings, and Pitch Report for 1st Test

Afghanistan and Zimbabwe are set to face each other in the longest format of the game for the first time from March 2. The two teams will be involved in a two-match Test series in the UAE and expect this to be an enthralling contest. The Asghar Afghan-led side last featured in the whites in November 2019 when they lost to West Indies while Zimbabwe took the field in Tests last in February 2020 against Bangladesh.

Though both the teams returned to international cricket in the limited-overs format, they will be delighted to be playing the five-day format again. This is Afghanistan’s fifth Test match only while even the team from Southern Africa has featured in only five Tests since 2018. There will be no dearth in the contest when these two teams will lock horns with this also being Afghanistan’s first series comprising more than one Test.

Zimbabwe last won a Test away was in November 2018 which is also their last win in the format. Afghanistan, on the other hand, have already registered two wins (over Bangladesh and Ireland) in four matches. This series is an opportunity for both sides to display their skills and most importantly, bat for longer periods with patience.

No wonder the toss will play a crucial role with the match set to be played in Abu Dhabi and the spinners will be in the game soon enough. Afghanistan go into this game as favourites as the visiting side is a bit depleted in the absence of Brendan Taylor among a few others. But nothing can be taken for granted.

Pitch and Conditions

The surface will be a decent one to bat on mostly for the first couple of days before cracks open up paving the way for spinners to dominate. Toss will be extremely important and batting fourth will be a huge challenge. It will be hot and humid over the course of five days in Abu Dhabi with rain unlikely to play any kind of spoilsport.

Playing combinations for AFG vs ZIM

Afghanistan

Rashid Khan is in doubt for the opening Test having sustained a finger injury while featuring in PSL. However, he has resumed training with the team and it remains to be seen if he gets fit in time. If he is ruled out, Afghanistan surprisingly don’t have any like-for-like replacement with three left-arm spinners in the squad. Amir Hamza, among them, is certain to play while there could be a toss-up between Shahidullah Kamal and Zia-ur-Rehman.

Probable XI: Ibrahim Zadran, Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan (C), Nasir Jamal, Afsar Zazai (WK), Yamin Ahmadzai, Rashid Khan/Wafadar Momand, Amir Hamza, Shahidullah Kamal.

Zimbabwe

Probable XI: Prince Masvaure, Kevin Kasuza, Sean Williams (C), Richmond Mutumbami, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl/Wesley Madhevere, Regis Chakabva (WK), Donald Tiripano, Blessing Muzarabani, Brandon Mavuta, Wellington Masakadza.

AFG vs ZIM Head to Head

This is the first time Afghanistan and Zimbabwe are playing against each other in Tests

AFG vs ZIM Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 11:30 AM IST; 10 AM local

Live Streaming – Fancode