Zimbabwe (ZIM) take on Afghanistan (AFG) in the first T20I in the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club, Harare on Wednesday, December 11.

Zimbabwe are coming off a 1-2 T20I series defeat against a depleted Pakistan side in Bulawayo. Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani were the top two run-getters in the series. The latter scored 64 runs from three matches at an impressive strike rate of 160. On the bowling front, no Zimbabwean bowler picked up more than two wickets across the three games. Captain Sikandar Raza was the most economical bowler for the African side, as he conceded runs at 5.44.

The onus will be on the opening pair to give their team a solid start at the top. After having a quiet series with the bat against Pakistan, Raza will hope to make an impact against the Blue Tigers. Meanwhile, the duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava will hope to make early inroads with the new ball.

Afghanistan have a very strong side at their disposal. This is going to be their first assignment in the shortest format of the game since they reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in June. Rashid Khan will resume captaincy duties after showing exemplary leadership skills during the global event.

Afghanistan mainly relied on their strong bowling line-up during the World Cup. They became very difficult to beat when they batted first as the bowlers made even the small targets look challenging. Rahmanullah Gurbaz will hold the key at the top of the order. The likes of Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mohammad Nabi will bring the firepower in the middle-order. Meanwhile, Karim Janat and Rashid will look to provide the finishing touches with the ball-striking abilities.

In the bowling department, Fazalhaq Farooqi will look to set the tone by picking up wickets inside the powerplay with the new ball. The middle overs will be intriguing to watch as Rashid is expected to combine with Noor Ahmad.

Click Here: ZIM vs PAK, 1st T20I - Live Scores

ZIM vs AFG Match Details

Harare Sports Club Pitch Report

In the 46 T20Is played at this venue, the average first innings score is 158. Teams batting first have won 27 matches while chasing teams have emerged victorious on 19 occasions. It won't be a bad decision to bat first and put runs on the board on this ground.

Click Here: Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2024 Schedule

Head-To-Head Records

Probable Predicted XIs for ZIM vs AFG

Zimbabwe (ZIM):

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Clive Madande, Tashinga Musekiwa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Brandon Mavuta, Tinotenda Maposa.

Afghanistan (AFG):

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Nangeyalia Kharote, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Click Here: Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2024 Squads

Probable Top Performers from ZIM vs AFG

Probable Best Batter: Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Star Afghani wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been in fine form this year. He has played well not just in international but also in franchise cricket. Afghanistan will want the wicketkeeper-batter to get off to a flying start and set the base for the power hitters down the order.

Click Here: Most Runs in ZIM vs AFG 2024

Probable Best Bowler: Rashid Khan

Talismanic leg spinner Rashid Khan is going to be a massive threat for the Zimbabwe batters. Many of them would not have played against him and picking his subtle variations will be a huge challenge. It will be interesting to see how the skipper uses his four overs.

Click Here: Most Wickets in ZIM vs AFG 2024

Today's Match Prediction: Afghanistan to win the match

Scenario 1

Zimbabwe win the toss and opt to bat first

PP Score: 40-50

ZIM: 140-150

Afghanistan to win the match

Scenario 2

Afghanistan win the toss and opt to bat first

PP Score: 45-55

AFG: 150-160

Afghanistan to win the match