Former England cricketer Jonathan Trott has been appointed as the new head coach of Afghanistan’s men’s team and he is all set to take charge from the upcoming tour of Ireland in August. Trott, who played 52 Tests, 68 ODIs and 7 T20Is for England, announced his retirement in 2018, and he was one of the most consistent run scorers for England in the period from 2009 to 2014.

It has to be noted that Trott has replaced Graham Thorpe in the position as the latter fell seriously ill this May and it opened the doors for Trott’s appointment. The 41-year-old, Trott has worked with England men’s team, England Lions and the U19 sides in the past and also was a batting consultant for the Scotland side in the T20 World Cup 2021.

Honoured and excited to have the opportunity: Jonathan Trott

Trott mentioned that he was delighted to get the chance of taking up the head coach role for Afghanistan and felt that their development has taken bigger strides in recent times. He added about the excitement behind working with a side that is capable of excelling and producing results against even the strongest of teams.

“I’m honoured and excited to have the opportunity to take one of international cricket’s most exciting teams through what is a huge year for their development as a team,” Trott was quoted as saying by the Afghanistan Cricket Board.

“I can’t wait to get to work with a group of players who are clearly capable of generating results in a style that will make the people of Afghanistan proud,” he added.

Afghanistan last played a three-match ODI and T20I series against Zimbabwe in June and they whitewashed the opponents to clinch the series comfortably. The upcoming Ireland tour will comprise five T20 internationals starting from the 9th of August and will go on until the 17th of August. Trott will be hoping to prepare the side for the upcoming T20 World Cup in October which will be his first major assignment.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is looking for a new head coach as Graham Thorpe, who is currently in the role, is seriously ill and is not expected to return to the team any time soon. ACB has reportedly begun the recruitment process and the team is expected to have a new head coach for the next season.

Thorpe, a former England batter, was appointed for the head coach role in March this year and was supposed to join the Afghanistan camp towards the end of April, according to ESPNcricinfo. He was unable to return to the team during the time, and in his absence, the team operated with Raees Khan Ahmadzai on an interim basis. 

ACB hire Ryan Maron as their fielding coach

In the former English batter’s absence, Afghanistan played three ODIs and as many T20Is against Zimbabwe and won all the matches with Ahmadzai acting as the interim head coach and Nawroz Khan Mangal as the batting coach. Thorpe formerly worked with England in their coaching setup and his association came to an end following the team’s 4-0 loss in Australia in the Ashes.

Thorpe took over from Lance Klusener as the head coach of the Asian team as the latter stood down from the role in November 2021 after two years. Meanwhile, the ACB has hired former South African cricketer Ryan Maron for the role of fielding coach. Maron has also previously worked as the fielding coach of West Indies.

This was ACB’s second appointment in the last two months after former Pakistan international Umar Gul was appointed as the bowling coach until the end of 2022. The team will tour Ireland in August for five T20Is. The initial plan was to also have a one-off Test match and three ODIs, but the schedule was later reworked in the wake of the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia that is set to commence in October.

Afghanistan go into the Ireland series with a winning streak of seven games in white-ball cricket. Ireland, on the other hand, will play three ODIs and T20Is each against New Zealand, this month, and two T20Is against South Africa before the series against Afghanistan.

Preview:

Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will lock horns in the final fixture of the 3-match T20I series at Harare Sports Club. The 2nd T20I witnessed Afghanistan posting 170 on the board and winning by 21 runs. In this pursuit, they achieved the series victory as well. The key players of the Zimbabwe team are Innocent Kaia and Sikandar Raza. On the other hand, Afghanistan will look to find contributions from Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi for completing the series whitewash.

Match Details

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, 3rd T20I

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

Date & Time: 14th June at 4:30 PM IST and 1 PM Local Time

Live Streaming: Zimbabwe Cricket YouTube Channel

ZIM vs AFG, 3rd T20I Pitch Report:

The Harare Sports Club has witnessed the batters getting assisted on most occasions. Spinners might play a key role in the middle overs. The team batting first will have an edge, due to the track record at this venue.

Injury News:

(will be added if there is any update)

Also Read: Sunil Gavaskar bats for Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad

ZIM vs AFG, 3rd T20I Probable Playing XIs:

Zimbabwe

Wesley Madhevere, Innocent Kaia, Craig Ervine (c), Sikandar Raza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Regis Chakabva (wk), Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Ainsley Ndlovu, Tendai Chatara, Donald Tiripano

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Usman Ghani, Darwish Rasooli, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Karim Janat, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Nijat Masood

Top Picks for ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Match:

Top Picks- Batters

Najibullah Zadran:

The best batter in the series has garnered 101 runs at a strike rate of 142.25. In the last game, he scored 57 off 46 balls.

Innocent Kaia:

The opener has done well to score 60 runs in two matches of this series at an average of 30 and registered the highest score of 54.

Top Picks- All-Rounders

Sikandar Raza:

The most important player of the Zimbabwe team has scored 86 runs in the series with a strike rate of 165.38. He has bowled seven overs and given away runs at an economy of 5.57.

Mohammad Nabi:

The all-rounder has been terrific throughout the Zimbabwe tour. In the T20I series, he has scored 58 runs and picked up two wickets.

Top Picks- Bowlers

Nijat Masood:

The young fast bowler of the Afghanistan team has returned as the leading wicket-taker in the series with four scalps in 2 matches at an economy of 8.50, with best figures of 3/39.

Rashid Khan:

The experienced spinner has scalped three wickets at an economy of 6.62. He has registered the best figures of 2/32.

Top Picks- Wicket-Keeper

Rahmanullah Gurbaz:

Gurbaz has not yet fired in the series but is the best pick from the wicket-keeping slot. He has 568 T20I runs in 22 appearances.

ZIM vs AFG Must Picks Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran (c), Innocent Kaia, Hazratullah Zazai, Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza (vc), Ryan Burl, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqui, Tendai Chatara

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran, Innocent Kaia (vc), Hazratullah Zazai, Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Mohammad Nabi (c), Rashid Khan, Nijat Masood, Luke Jongwe

ZIM vs AFG Risky Captaincy Choices:

Wesley Madhevere:

Madhevere started the series well with 30+ contributions. However, he again displayed his inconsistency to be dismissed for a single digit in the last game.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz:

The talented batter has been able to accumulate only 34 runs in two innings, and failed to convert his starts into a big score.

Players you should avoid:

Craig Ervine:

The captain of the Zimbabwe team has been a standout performer over the years. However, he has not produced any notable knocks in the last five international innings.

Note: Updated Fantasy teams and Playing XIs of every match will be provided in our Telegram channel if the information is available.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision. 

Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe in the first T20I at Harare by six wickets as they chased down Zimbabwe’s total of 159 runs with four balls to spare. Najibullah Zadran was the protagonist for the Afghan side, scoring an unbeaten 44 off 25 deliveries to get his side over the finishing line. He received able support from skipper Mohammad Nabi, who played a quick cameo of 15 runs in just eight balls and remained not out.

The Afghan openers made a brisk start to the game as Hazratullah Zazai (45 off 26) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (33 off 36) stitched an 83-run stand for the first wicket. Afghanistan were cruising at one stage before Ryan Burl rattled them with three wickets in the 11th over. Zimbabwe pulled things back brilliantly and put pressure on the Afghanistan middle order with tight overs in the middle.

With 61 needed off 30 balls, Afghanistan needed an onslaught from their batters and Zadran responded to the call as he put Blessing Muzarabani to the sword in the 17th over, which yielded 26 runs. Zadran sealed the match with a massive six in the 20th over. Sikandar Raza, who was the star with the bat, did an exceptional job with the ball as he conceded just 16 runs in four overs. But it was the performance of Burl that stole the limelight (3/14).

Zimbabwe posted competitive total on the back of Sikandar Raza’s innings

Zimbabwe came into the game after facing a 3-0 whitewash in the ODI series, but they were hoping for a change of fortunes in the T20 format. Zimbabwe’s innings was off to a rocky start after the early dismissal of their opener Innocent Kaia in the third over, but Wessley Madhevere looked fluent from the other end before being dismissed for 32 off 24.

The Zimbabwe innings struggled for momentum throughout, with wickets falling at regular intervals. A late blitz from the experienced Raza (45 off 31) saw them score 35 runs off the last three overs and finish with a respectable 159 on the board.

Nijat Masood was the pick of the Afghan bowlers with three wickets to his name, but it was the renowned trickery from Rashid Khan that never allowed the Zimbabwe middle-order batters to open their hands. Rashid finished with 1/21 in his four overs.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Congrats to @ACBofficials Team. Afghanistan won by 6 Wickets and take 1-0 lead in the 3 matches T20I series.
Excellent spell Nijat Masood 3/39.
Superb knocks by Hazratullah Zazai 45(26) and Najibullah Zadran 44*(25).

Very well played boys🙌🏻👏🏻👍🏻#ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/K2o13JRA1n

— Rizwan Afghan🇦🇫 (@RizwanAfghan17) June 11, 2022

#1stT20I | 🇦🇫 won by 6 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series

#ZIMvAFG | #VisitZimbabwe

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) June 11, 2022

Najibullah Zadran's unbeaten 44 off 25 balls guided Afghanistan to a win and they go 1-0 up in the three-match series.#Cricket #CricTracker #Zimbabwe #Afghanistan #ZIMvAFG #T20I #NajibullahZadran pic.twitter.com/IKAG6hlwnB

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) June 11, 2022

Memorable Moments for Nijatullah Masoud as he receives his T20I debut cap from the star All-rounder Rashid Khan. He would surely keep those golden words from Rashid Khan in mind for a long while. 🤩👏

##AfghanAtalan | #ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/RjWwzMBevb

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) June 11, 2022

Afghanistan have gone nine T20I series in a row without defeat, a run stretching back to the start of 2018.

They are halfway to making it 10 series unbeaten with victory in the first T20I against Zimbabwe.#ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/gGm0uSvbsj

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) June 11, 2022

Preview:

On Saturday, Zimbabwe will meet Afghanistan in the first T20I of the Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club. This series will include three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Both teams have battled for wins in their last five games, winning only two of them. According to Head to head record, Afghanistan has a strong advantage against Zimbabwe, having defeated them in four of five encounters. Both teams will want to go a step ahead of the opposition.

Match Details:

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, 1st T20I

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Date & Time: 11th June at 4:30 PM IST and 1:00 PM Local Time

Live Streaming: FanCode

ZIM vs AFG, 1st T20I, Pitch Report:

Harare Sports Club offers a great batting surface. If the hitters bat through the first few overs of the pacers, the spinners come in and runs are readily scored. To win the match, the side batting first had to score at least 180 runs.

Injury News:

(will be added when there is an update)

Also Read: Angry Imam-ul-Haq jams his bat after awkward mix-up with Babar Azam

ZIM vs AFG, 1st T20I, Probable Playing XIs:

Zimbabwe

Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara, Tanaka Chivanga, Blessing Muzarabani.

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Usman Ghani, Mohammad Nabi (c), Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Zahir Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik.

Top Picks for ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Match:

Top Picks – Batters

Craig Ervine:

The skipper has got some extraordinary skills, always trying to put some skin in the game is a must-have, while scoring 62 runs in 3 matches.

Innocent Kaia:

The youngster has been impressive scoring 118 runs in three ODI matches of his career, at an average of 40, and registered the highest score of 63.

Top Picks – All Rounders          

Sikandar Raza:

The crucial player for Zimbabwe has scored 145 runs in the series. His knocks in the previous three games are 40, 67, and 38. Apart from the bat, he may also be useful with the ball.

Mohammad Nabi:

The most experienced cricketer, who excels at bowling, has taken eight key wickets in three games for his team.

Top Picks – Bowlers

Blessing Muzarabani:

The Zimbabwe team’s top bowler has performed well in the series, with 7 scalps in three matches, at an economy of 4.15 and best figures of 4/52.

Rashid Khan:

The skilled leg-spinner has taken seven wickets, at a 4.52 economy rate. He has 45 runs scored with a strike rate of 225.

Top Picks – Wicket Keepers

Rahmanullah Gurbaz:

Despite only scoring 28 runs in three matches, Gurbaz is a known performer in white-ball cricket and will want to do well in this encounter.

ZIM vs AFG Must Picks for Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Craig Ervine, Najibullah Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai (C), Innocent Kaia, Mohammad Nabi (VC), Sikandar Raza, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Fazal Haq.

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Craig Ervine, Najibullah Zadran (C), Hazratullah Zazai, Usman Gani, Mohammad Nabi, Sikandar Raza (VC), Wesley Madhevere, Rashid Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Fazal Haq.

Today’s ZIM vs AFG Probable Winners:

Afghanistan is expected to win this fixture.

Note: Updated Fantasy teams and Playing XIs of every match will be provided on our Telegram channel if the information is available.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.

Preview:

Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will lock horns in the final fixture of the 3-match ODI series at Harare Sports Club. The first 2 ODIs have been won by the Afghanistan team and will be upbeat ahead of this match. In the 2nd ODI, Zimbabwe managed to post 228 on the board. Then, the visitors chased down the total with more than 5 overs to spare. The key players of the Zimbabwe team are Innocent Kaia and Blessing Muzarabani. On the other hand, Afghanistan will rely on the likes of Rahmat Shah and Mohammad Nabi for completing the series whitewash.

Match Details

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, 3rd ODI

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare.

Date & Time: 9th June at 12:45 pm IST and 9:15 AM Local time

Live Streaming: Zimbabwe Cricket YouTube Channel.

ZIM vs AFG, 3rd ODI Pitch Report:

It has been a fine batting surface at Harare Sports Club. If the batters play out the first few overs of the pacers, it gets easier with spinners coming in and runs are easily scored. A minimum of 250 needed to be posted by the teams batting first to win the match.

Injury News:

(will be added if there is any update)

Also Read: Top 5 knocks of Mithali Raj in international cricket

ZIM vs AFG, 3rd ODI Probable Playing XIs:

Zimbabwe

Innocent Kaia, Regis Chakabva (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara, Tanaka Chivanga, Blessing Muzarabani.

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik.

Top Picks for ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Match:

Top Picks- Batters

Rahmat Shah:

He is the leading run-scorer in this series with 181 runs in 2 innings at an average of 90.50, with a top score of 94.

Innocent Kaia:

The youngster has been impressive scoring 102 runs in his first 2 ODI matches of his career at an average of 51 and registered the highest score of 63.

Top Picks- All-Rounders

Sikandar Raza:

The key player of the Zimbabwe team has garnered 107 runs in the series. His knocks in the last two fixtures are read as 40, 67. Apart from the bat, he can be handy with the ball as well.

Mohammad Nabi:

The most experienced cricketer in the series started by picking up four wickets, and then returned with 2 wickets more to help the team in securing a series victory.

Top Picks- Bowlers

Blessing Muzarabani:

The lead bowler of the Zimbabwe team has returned good in the series with 5 scalps in 2 matches at an economy of 5.52, with best figures of 4/52.

Rashid Khan:

The talented leg-spinner has scalped four wickets at an economy of 4.75. He has scored 39 runs at a strike rate of 229.41.

Top Picks- Wicket-Keeper

Rahmanullah Gurbaz:

Although Gurbaz has scored only 21 runs in 2 matches, he is a proven performer in the white-ball cricket and will look to do well in this game.

ZIM vs AFG Must Picks Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah (C), Innocent Kaia, Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Mohammad Nabi (VC), Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqui, Blessing Muzarabani.

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Innocent Kaia, Ibrahim Zadran, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fareed Malik, Blessing Muzarabani (VC).

ZIM vs AFG Risky Captaincy Choices:

Wesley Madhevere

One of the most talented batters in the Zimbabwe team has not looked at his best in the first two matches of this series, and can be a risky bet due to his bad form.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz

The ferocious hitter was the finest batter for Afghanistan in the series against Bangladesh. However, he has failed to do well in the series and will be a hero or zero calls for the captaincy pick.

Players you should avoid:

Tendai Chatara:

The experienced fast bowler has returned wicketless in 2 appearances of this series at an economy of 5.87 and should be avoided in your fantasy team.

Note: Updated Fantasy teams and Playing XIs of every match will be provided on our Telegram channel if the information is available.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.

Afghanistan  got the better of Zimbabwe by eight wickets in the second One Day International at the Harare Sports Club on June 6. By virtue of this win, the Afghans have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Even though the hosts batted first on this occasion, they found themselves at the receiving end yet again.

A not-so-impressive batting performance somehow ensured that Zimbabwe crawled their way to 228 and the onus was on their bowlers to do something extraordinary in order to keep the series alive. However, that was not to be as Afghanistan outplayed them even in the batting department courtesy of fine knocks from two of their top batters who ensured that the visitors reached the target without breaking any sweat.

Afghanistan outclass Zimbabwe to win the ODI series

Earlier in the day, Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi won an important toss and elected to bowl first. They picked up the wicket of opener Regis Chakabva for a silver duck before Innocent Kaia and captain Craig Ervine carried out the rescue act with a small partnership.

Ervine was caught plumb in front of the wicket by Fareed Ahmad, but Innocent, who has been one of Zimbabwe’s most consistent performers in the last couple of months, carried on with his momentum and scored a vital half-century before being sent back for 63.Star all-rounder Sikandar Raza made his presence felt with a 40, and an important unbeaten 51 from Ryan Burl towards the end took Zimbabwe to 228.

In order to level the series, all that the Zimbabwe bowlers needed to do was to contain the hard-hitting Afghani batters, but they could not. While the opening bowler Blessing Muzarabani succeeded in getting the Afghan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz early, that was the only relief that they got as Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran attacked them and took the match away from the hosts. The duo added 195 runs for the second wicket stand as the visitors got past the finish line in the 45th over. Zadran remained unbeaten on 120 while Shah played a great supporting knock of 88.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

A well worked 50 from Innocent Kaia. He could just be what we are looking for in an opener!

Let’s see him crack on!

— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 #RegisterToVote (@AdamTheofilatos) June 6, 2022

Impressed with what I have seen from Innocent Kaia in his first 2 ODIs.

Maiden ODI 50 today and would have wanted to see him kick on to a 100, but a well constructed innings nonetheless. pic.twitter.com/TNIdCWm0Xp

— Undisputed🎙️📺 (@Mr_Tich) June 6, 2022

Congratulations to Ibrahim Zadran on winning this series and winning this series! Today this young class did an innings, victories🇦🇫#AfghanAtalan #FreeAfghanistan
#ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/6LLRqDgETb

— 𝕊𝕒𝕗𝕚🚩𝕒𝕗𝕘𝕙𝕒𝕟🇦🇫 (@Safi21162931) June 6, 2022

Afghan Atalan well done much love team work #AFGVSZIM

— Haroon Rasheed (@Haroon2288) June 6, 2022

🌟 Maiden ODI century by Ibrahim Zadran
🌟 A huge second-wicket stand between Zadran and Rahmat Shah

Afghanistan take an unassailable 2-0 series lead against Zimbabwe 👏#CWCSL | #ZIMvAFG | https://t.co/sXz7scLlt4
📸 @ZimCricketv pic.twitter.com/sM8rZVCcT1

— ICC (@ICC) June 6, 2022

What an outstanding inning that has been so far, pure class!!! 🤩🔥@IZadran18 converted his fifty to an astonishing Hundred 💯, his first of many in ODI cricket. Well played young man, bring it on!

🇦🇫 – 196/1 (38 overs)#AfghanAtalan | #ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/eRSw1jYNBe

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) June 6, 2022

Preview:

Zimbabwe are set to once again host Afghanistan in the 2nd ODI of the ODI series between the two teams, at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe. The tourists, Afghanistan have gone one up in the series after their win in the previous match of the series. The hosts Zimbabwe, on the other hand, were clearly dominated by Afghanistan in the 1st ODI as their batting line-up collapsed and they couldn’t chase a very reachable target. This will be a crucial match for both the teams as it’s a series decider for both the teams and a loss in this match will cost the series to Zimbabwe. Afghanistan will be relying on their star performers in the previous match to bring home the series for them.

Match Details:

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, 2nd ODI

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe

Date & Time: 6th June, at 12:45 PM IST and 9:15 AM Local Time

Live Streaming: Fancode

ZIM vs AFG, 2nd ODI Pitch Report:

The pitch at Harare Sports Club is ideal for batting. While some swing is expected early on, batters will look to capitalize on the powerplay phase. Wickets in hand will be crucial, with bowlers preferring to change their rhythm accordingly.

Injury News:

(will be added when there is an update)

Also Read: Ben Stokes opens up about Brendon McCullum’s strategy

ZIM vs AFG, 2nd ODI Probable Playing XIs:

Zimbabwe

Regis Chakabva(wk), Innocent Kaia, Craig Ervine(c), Wesley Madhevere, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tanaka Chivanga, Blessing Muzarabani, Donald Tiripano

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz(wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad

Top Picks for ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Match:

Top Picks- Batters

Rahmat Shah:

He will be a crucial pick. He played a crucial knock of 94 runs in the 1st ODI at a strike rate of 78.30.

Hashmatullah Shahidi:

He will be a critical selection. He smashed 88 runs in the 1st ODI at a strike rate of 84.60.

Top Picks- Bowlers

Blessing Muzarabani:

He will a crucial player. He was the only bowler from the Zimbabwe team who delivered in the 1st ODI. He scalped 4 wickets at an economy of 5.80.

Mohammad Nabi:

He will be a crucial pick. He scalped 4 wickets in the 1st ODI at an economy rate of 3.40.

Top Picks- All-Rounders

Rashid Khan:

He will be a key player. He scalped 2 crucial wickets in the 1st ODI and also contributed the total with 39 runs off just 17 balls.

Sikandar Raza:

He will play a key role for Zimbabwe. In the 1st ODI, he played a crucial knock of 67 runs when their batting order collapsed.

Top Picks- Wicket-keeper

Rahmanullah Gurbaz:

He will be a key player. He is a talented wicket-keeper batsman who has the capability to hit the ball hard and take his side over the line from any point in the game.

Must Picks for ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Rahmatullah Gurbaz, Craig Ervine, Rahmat Shah(vc), Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Mohammad Nabi, Sikandar Raza, Azmatullah Omarzai, Innocent Kaia, Rashid Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Fazalhaq Farooqui

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Regis Chakabva, Craig Ervine, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Nabi, Sikandar Raza(vc), Ryan Burl, Innocent Kaia, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Rashid Khan(c), Blessing Muzarabani

ZIM vs AFG Risky Captaincy Choices:

Craig Ervine:

The Zimbabwe Skipper is well known for his batting skills. He can turn the tides of any match at any point in the game. However, he has been inconsistent lately and hasn’t been able to contribute effectively. You can add him in your fantasy team but he is a risky captaincy choice.

Ibrahim Zadran:

The Afghan opener has made a reputation of being a destroying batter. He has extraordinary batting skills that can turn any match to his team’s side. However, he has been underperforming lately. You can add him in your fantasy team but he is a risky captaincy choice.

Players you should avoid:

Tendai Chatara:

He is a well-known bowler known for his outstanding bowling skills. However, he has been out of touch lately. In the 1st ODI, he went over 10 runs an over and without a wicket. You should avoid him in your fantasy team as he is unlikely to play the 2nd ODI.

Note: Updated Fantasy teams and Playing XIs of every match will be provided in our Telegram channel if the information is available.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.

Zimbabwe will lock horns with Afghanistan in the second ODI at the Harare Sports Club on June 6. Both teams will be heading into this contest on the back of contrasting results in the series-opener. The Afghans handed Zimbabwe a huge 60-run thrashing to go 1-0 up in the three-match series. After posting a big total of 276/5 batting first, the Afghanistan bowlers did the job by chipping in with wickets at regular intervals and completely nullified the hosts’ chances of staging a comeback through small partnerships.

Zimbabwe on the other hand had a day to forget with the ball despite taking two early wickets of openers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz after which the duo of Rahmat Shah and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi staged a counter-attack with a match-winning 181-run third-wicket stand and the bowlers could never rediscover their rhythm from there on.  All-rounder Sikandar Raza was the lone half-centurion for the hosts, scoring 67 with opener Innocent Kaia and captain Craig Ervine playing supporting knocks of 39 and 30 respectively, but their efforts were just not enough in the end.

Match Details

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare.

Date and Time: June 6, 2022, at 12:45 PM IST

Live Streaming: FanCode

Pitch Report

The Harare wicket will be a balanced one for both the batters and bowlers. The batters can go on to play impactful knocks once they get set, a run-fest can be expected here. However, since this is a used pitch, it might turn out to be a huge advantage to the spinners as the contest progresses. Therefore, the captain winning the toss here will have no hesitation in batting first.

Probable Playing XIs for Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan

Zimbabwe

Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Dion Myers, Regis Chakabva (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Wessley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Ainsley Ndlovu, Blessing Muzarabani, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe.

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Yamin Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Probable Top Performers

Probable best batter of the match

Rahmat Shah:

Rahmat Shah was the star of the last game with the bat. He staged a 181-run third-wicket stand with skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi and rescued Afghanistan from a precarious situation after losing two early wickets. He went on to score 94 runs. Shah might have missed out on his well-deserved century by six runs, but they were good enough in the team’s winning cause.

Probable best bowler of the match

Mohammad Nabi:

Mohammad Nabi was the pick of the bowlers for Afghans as he completely applied the brakes on Zimbabwe’s momentum during their stiff run chase. The veteran spinner finished with figures of 4/34 from his quota of 10 overs and more importantly, he was very economical as well with a rate of 3.4. Nabi would be expected to bamboozle the  Zimbabwe batting line-up yet again.

Today’s match prediction: Afghanistan to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.

Preview:

The first ODI of Afghanistan’s 2022 tour of Zimbabwe will be held on Monday, June 6, 2022, at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe. Afghanistan won the opening match of the series quite convincingly by 60 runs on the back of half-centuries from Rahmat Shah and Shahidi which put them in a good position at the halfway point. In reply, Zimbabwe batters had no clue against Rashid Khan as the hosts were bundled out for a modest total. Afghanistan will be looking to seal the series while the hosts battle to keep it alive.

Match Details:

Zimbabwe Vs Afghanistan, 2nd ODI

Venue: Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe.

Date & Time: 6th June at 12:45 PM IST and 09:15 AM Local Time

Live Streaming: FanCode

ZIM vs AFG, 2nd ODI, Pitch Report:

The track is excellent for batting and plenty of runs will be on offer just like the previous match at this venue. Both teams might prefer chasing.

Injury News:

(will be added when there is an update)

Also read: IND vs SA: 5 Indian players to watch out for in T20I series

ZIM vs AFG, 2nd ODI, Probable Playing XIs:

Zimbabwe

Regis Chakabva(w), Innocent Kaia, Craig Ervine(c), Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara, Tanaka Chivanga, Blessing Muzarabani

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik

Top Picks for ZIM vs AFG 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket:

Rahmat Shah scored a fluent 94 in the previous match at a strike rate 78 and will be a reliable option for this match.

Blessing Muzarabani was outstanding with the new ball and at the death picking up 4 wickets in his last game.

Fazalhaq Farooqi picked up 2 wickets in the previous match and can be backed to do well against this opposition.

H Shahidi is one of the main batters from this team and scored 88 runs in the opening match of the series and looked in great touch out in the middle.

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for ZIM vs AFG 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket:

R Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, H Shahidi (vc), Craig Ervine, Azmatullah Omarzai, M Nabi, S Raza, B Muzarabani, D Tiripano, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rashid Khan (c)

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for ZIM vs AFG 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket:

R Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, H Shahidi, Craig Ervine, Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza (c), Milton Shumba, M Nabi (vc), B Muzarabani, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rashid Khan

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain Options: Rashid Khan, Sikandar Raza

Vice-Captain Options: Mohammad Nabi, H Shahidi

Note: Updated Fantasy teams and Playing XIs of every match will be provided on our Telegram channel if the information is available.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.