We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Harare Sports Club seemed flatter in the second game. It was the brilliance of the Afghanistan spinners that fetched them wickets on a rather easy pitch for batting.
Teams
Probable XI for 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
Probable XI for 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
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Power Players
Rahmat Shah’s scores on the tour read 81, 94, and 87 – of which the first fifty came in the practice game ahead of the series. His approach has been simple, that is, to accommodate the crease as long as possible and keep the scoreboard ticking. He will look to attain the three-figure mark that has been eluding him all this time.
A terrific hundred by Ibrahim Zadran, in his only fourth ODI, sealed the series for Afghanistan. He played his shots on the merit of the ball and chased down 229 with the help of his 120* off 141. If anything, it was a composed knock from the 20-year-old.
As was the case in the Indian T20 League, Rashid Khan has been providing fantasy points with both bat and ball. He has taken a two-for in both games and played a stunning knock of 39* off 17 in the opening ODI.
Smart Picks
Sikandar Raza has scored two fifties and a knock of 40 runs in his last four ODIs. He has been a lone warrior in the middle order for Zimbabwe. Given he is also effective with his off-spinners, he is often a fantasy favourite.
Mohammad Nabi’s bat has not been making enough runs, but he has been making amends with the ball. His bowling figures read 4 for 34 and 2 for 31 in the series. That being said, he averages 32 with the bat against Zimbabwe compared to his overall average of 23.
Innocent Kaia has been impressive in his debut ODI series with scores of 39 and 63. He prefers taking his time and dealing in quick running between the wickets before he gets his eye in.
Blessing Muzarabani has taken the bulk of the wickets for Zimbabwe. His medium pacers have fetched him 5 wickets at 19. Against Afghanistan, he has managed 13 wickets in 7 games.
Hashmatullah Shahidi’s last 6 ODI scores read 73, 54, 28, 28, 88, and 1*. He will play his 50th ODI today. He has scored 1,433 runs at 34 including 13 fifties.
Match Preview
Zimbabwe have a lot to figure out. Their bowling looked toothless in the last game, and Raza has not had anyone to build partnerships with in the middle overs. On the other hand, Afghanistan have been clinical.
Time: June 9, 12:45 PM IST