Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, T20I Tri-Series Match 5, Chattogram: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

The win against Bangladesh at Mirpur was Afghanistan‘s 13th consecutive T20I win. In the process they went past their own world record of 12 matches. They will now aim to extend that run, against Zimbabwe at ZACS, Chattogram, in the fifth league match of the Bangladesh T20 Tri-Series. In other words, they may field a full side despite having qualified for the final.

Afghanistan have been emphatic in their wins. Mohammad Nabi has got off to furious starts twice, while Asghar Afghan, Najibullah Zadran, and newcomer Rahmanullah Gurbaz have risen to the challenge.

So good has been their bowling that Nabi has not been needed to bowl the full quota. Both Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have been fantastic, and they have received surprising support from Gulbadin Naib. All in all, Afghanistan are firm favourites.

The defeats have done little to boost Zimbabwe’s cause. They should have won the first match, against Bangladesh, but for some sub-par fielding towards the end and a gem from Afif Hossain. They did put up a fight in the next two matches but could not sustain the pressure. It seems unlikely that they will turn things around against a formidable Afghan side.

Head to head

It has been a no-contest duel till now: the teams have played 8 matches and Afghanistan have won all 8.

Key players

Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan): Nabi’s violent onslaughts – 38 in 18, 84* in 54 – helped Afghanistan take both matches away from the opposition. Expect more fireworks this time. He has bowled little (4-0-20-0), but has been the most economical bowler of the side.

Richmond Mutumbami (Zimbabwe): Up against a target of 176, Zimbabwe were in tatters against Bangladesh when Mutumbami came out at 37/5. He surprised all with his savage hitting en route his 32-ball 54. With a better start, he may help pull off an upset this time.

Likely XIs

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Najeeb Tarakai, Asghar Afghan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Fareed Ahmed, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Zimbabwe: Brendan Taylor (wk), Hamilton Masakadza (c), Regis Chakabva, Sean Williams, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Ryan Burl, Richmond Mutumbami, Neville Madziva, Kyle Jarvis, Ainsley Ndlovu, Christopher Mpofu.

Prediction

Afghanistan to continue their winning streak.