We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Harare Sports Club Pitch Report
Recent history suggests that batters should enjoy their time in the middle at the Harare Sports Club. The average first and second innings scores for the last three ODIs read 271 and 221. In the same period, two out of three matches have been won by the teams chasing.
Probable Playing Teams for Zimbabwe & Afghanistan
Probable XI for Zimbabwe: Regis Chakabva (wk), Milton Shumba, Craig Ervine (c), Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Wesley Madhevere, Takudzwanashe Kaitano/ Luke Jongwe, Sikandar Raza, Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani
Probable XI for Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Malik, Rashid Khan, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
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Power Players for Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Match
Rashid Khan will remain the biggest threat for Zimbabwe. He has bagged 19 wickets in 9 visits at the Harare Sports Club. On his day, he is also capable of getting some quick runs with the bat, down the order.
Craig Ervine will have to shoulder the responsibility of holding and anchoring the innings for Zimbabwe. He has scored 57, 64, and 91 in three of his last five ODI innings.
Given his dual role, Sikandar Raza is often a favourite pick in fantasy leagues. In his last 10 ODIs against Afghanistan, he has added 271 runs and taken 9 wickets.
Regardless of the situation, Najibullah Zadran prefers to take the attack to the opposition in pursuit of quick runs. He has scored 213 runs at 71 in his last five ODI innings.
Smart Picks for Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Match
Regis Chakabva was the second-highest run-scorer for Zimbabwe in the ODI series against Sri Lanka earlier in the year. He scored 120 runs in three innings, including the highest score of 72.
Mohammad Nabi could only manage 52 runs and 2 wickets in the series against Bangladesh, but it’s not to be forgotten that he has won plenty of matches on his own for Afghanistan in the past.
Fazal Haq Farooqi shot to fame by picking a four-wicket haul against Bangladesh in only his second ODI. His ability to move the new ball should keep him amongst the wickets.
The onus of striking early in the powerplay and at the death will be on Zimbabwe’s seam trio of Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara, and Blessing Muzarabani. While Tiripano and Chatara rely on deception, Muzurbani uses his height to good effect.
It will be interesting to see how the inexperienced Zimbabwean top order negotiates the mystery spin bowling of Mujeeb Ur Rahman. He has 17 scalps to his credit in the last 10 ODIs.
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Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Match Preview
Both sides have met 25 times in ODI cricket, out of which Afghanistan have won 15 and Zimbabwe 10. As far as the recent form goes, Afghanistan lost the three-match series 2-1 against Bangladesh.
On the other hand, although Zimbabwe fought well against Sri Lanka earlier in the year; they too ended up losing the series 2-1. Like the hosts, the tourists too have plenty of all-rounders in their ranks and that should make for an intriguing contest.
Time: 4 June, 10.00 AM IST