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Afghanistan will face Zimbabwe in the final of the ODI tri-series on October 23 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Led by Rahmat Shah, Afghanistan will aim to finish the tournament with the trophy after competing against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in the United Arab Emirates. The contest will also provide both teams with valuable preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Afghanistan possess a well-balanced squad featuring aggressive opening batters, experienced middle-order players and a formidable spin attack. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal will be crucial with the bat, while Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi are expected to play important roles with the ball. Afghanistan are likely to retain a settled combination for the title clash, although the final selection will depend on the team’s assessment of conditions.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is expected to open the innings and provide Afghanistan with an aggressive start. The wicketkeeper-batter is capable of taking on the opposition’s fast bowlers during the powerplay and scoring boundaries against both pace and spin. His attacking approach could put Zimbabwe under pressure early. However, Gurbaz will need to balance aggression with patience to ensure Afghanistan do not lose an early wicket.
Ibrahim Zadran is likely to partner Gurbaz at the top. Unlike his opening partner, Ibrahim can build an innings through calculated stroke play and strike rotation. His ability to bat for extended periods makes him an important component of Afghanistan’s batting lineup. If the openers establish a strong partnership, Ibrahim could provide the platform for the middle order to accelerate later in the innings.
Sediqullah Atal could occupy the No. 3 position. The left-handed batter offers variety to the top order and can help stabilise the innings if Afghanistan lose an early wicket. His role will be to rotate the strike, build partnerships and capitalise on loose deliveries. A composed contribution from Atal would allow the experienced middle order to bat with greater freedom.
Rahmat Shah is expected to bat at No. 4 and lead Afghanistan in the final. His experience and ability to adapt to different match situations make him a key figure in the middle order. If Zimbabwe take early wickets, Rahmat will be responsible for rebuilding the innings. Alternatively, he can increase the scoring rate once Afghanistan have established a solid platform.
Hashmatullah Shahidi is likely to strengthen the middle order at No. 5. The left-handed batter is known for his ability to anchor an innings and build partnerships under pressure. His presence will be particularly important if Afghanistan need to recover from a difficult start or navigate a challenging spell from Zimbabwe’s seamers.
Azmatullah Omarzai could feature at No. 6 as a pace-bowling all-rounder. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives Afghanistan valuable balance. Omarzai can accelerate during the final overs and provide crucial breakthroughs with his seam bowling. His versatility makes him an important player in a high-pressure final.
Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi is expected to bat at No. 7. His experience in international cricket and ability to bowl economical off-spin will be valuable against Zimbabwe. Nabi can also contribute useful runs towards the end of the innings, particularly if Afghanistan require a late acceleration.
Rashid Khan is likely to lead Afghanistan’s spin attack. His leg-spin variations, control and wicket-taking ability make him a major threat during the middle overs. Zimbabwe’s batters will need to negotiate his spell carefully, as attacking him without a clear plan could lead to wickets. Rashid’s experience in pressure situations will be particularly valuable in a final.
AM Ghazanfar could feature as the second specialist spinner. His off-spin offers a different challenge from Rashid’s leg-breaks, giving Afghanistan greater variety. Ghazanfar will aim to restrict the scoring rate and create opportunities when Zimbabwe’s batters attempt to accelerate.
Bilal Sami could be included as a pace-bowling option. His role will be to support Afghanistan’s frontline seamers and provide breakthroughs with the new ball or during the middle overs. Maintaining accuracy will be important against a Zimbabwe lineup capable of scoring quickly when set.
Yamin Ahmadzai is predicted to complete the XI. His experience and ability to bowl disciplined spells could make him a useful option alongside Sami and Omarzai. Afghanistan will expect their seamers to exploit any movement early and execute their plans effectively at the death.
Predicted Afghanistan Playing XI vs Zimbabwe
The playing XI above is a prediction based on Afghanistan’s announced ODI squad and expected team balance, not a confirmed selection.
