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3rd T20I | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe T20I Series 2026 | Sharjah | Sunday 1 November 2026
The batters most likely to stop a powerplay collapse are Azmatullah Omarzai and Sikandar Raza, who both reached hundreds in the second game. Afghanistan lead 2-0, but a slide to 5/4 early on in that match showed how fragile their top order can be on a good Sharjah surface. Zimbabwe tell a similar story, needing a century from their captain just to get close. The third game on 1 November will reward whichever line-up survives the first six overs.
Afghanistan hold a 2-0 lead in the three-match series at Sharjah. The opener on 27 October ended with Afghanistan on 177 and Zimbabwe on 140, a 37-run margin. Two days later Afghanistan made 221/7 and held off a spirited chase to 202/5, winning by 19 runs. Between them, the two games produced 740 runs.
History leans Afghanistan’s way heavily. Their T20I record against Zimbabwe stood at 20-2 after the first game, built on six straight wins. The 3-0 sweep in November 2025 fits that pattern, though in December 2024 Afghanistan won twice, by 50 runs and by three wickets, while Zimbabwe took one by four wickets.
Afghanistan’s batters bring most of the firepower. Ibrahim Zadran averages 31.92 at a strike rate of 115.39, giving the order its anchor. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scores faster, at 135.01 with an average of 25.11, and Azmatullah Omarzai strikes at 133.55 with an average of 20.87. Their numbers are healthy but not outstanding, so the order depends on form on the day.
Zimbabwe lean on two figures. Sikandar Raza averages 26.30 at a strike rate of 136.86, the quickest rate among these five. Ryan Burl averages 26.62 at 123.46, the steadier option, and each led Zimbabwe’s scoring in one of the first two games.
| Batter | Team | Average | Strike Rate |
| Ibrahim Zadran | AFG | 31.92 | 115.39 |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | AFG | 25.11 | 135.01 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | AFG | 20.87 | 133.55 |
| Sikandar Raza | ZIM | 26.30 | 136.86 |
| Ryan Burl | ZIM | 26.62 | 123.46 |
The second game exposed Afghanistan’s top order, which slumped to 5/4 early on. Omarzai answered with 116 off 50 balls and Ijaz Ahmadzai added 52 from 27, which dragged the total to 221/7. In the opener, Ijaz had already made 52 off 22, with Shahidullah adding 46 from 42 and Rashid 30 off 10.
Zimbabwe’s stronger pushes have come from the middle. Burl made 32 off 24 in the first game and Kaia 24 off 26. In the second, Raza reached 106 not out from 56 balls, Tsiga added 31 not out, and Kaia chipped in 25, proof that the lower order can score fast when set, though the need for such a rescue is itself a warning.
Across 62 Sharjah T20Is up to October 2025, first innings averaged about 145 and second innings 123. This series has blown past both numbers, with 177 and 140 in the first game and 221 and 202 in the second. Anyone expecting a low-scoring grind in the powerplay has been proved wrong.
Both teams reshuffled for the second game. Zimbabwe handed a debut to Tsiga, while Afghanistan swapped Farooqi and Noor Ahmad out for Fareed and Abdollah Ahmadzai. For the third game, Matigimu joins Zimbabwe, because Evans played only the first two matches, and lineups will be confirmed at the toss before a 6:30 PM local start.
Afghanistan need their top three to see off the first six overs, because the two innings that built their totals came from players who walked into early damage. Zimbabwe need the same from their opening pair, since asking Raza to rescue every chase is a plan with a short shelf life. Both sides have tested this already, with Afghanistan falling to 5/4 in the second game and Zimbabwe leaning on a debutant to stay in the contest.
Settle the powerplay and the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 3rd T20I 2026 batters who benefit most will be the ones who already own hundreds in this series. Omarzai and Raza have shown what a set player can do on this ground. The side that gives its stars a stable start will win the game.
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Who has scored centuries in this Afghanistan and Zimbabwe T20I series?
Azmatullah Omarzai made 116 off 50 balls, and Sikandar Raza hit an unbeaten 106 off 56. Both centuries came in the second match at Sharjah on 29 October.
Have Afghanistan already won the T20I series against Zimbabwe?
Yes, Afghanistan are ahead 2-0 with one game left, so the series is already theirs. The wins came by 37 runs on 27 October and by 19 runs on 29 October.
Who has scored the most runs for Zimbabwe in the series?
Sikandar Raza leads Zimbabwe with 123 runs from two innings. Raza made 17 in the first match and an unbeaten 106 in the second.
What time does the third Afghanistan and Zimbabwe T20I start?
The third T20I starts at 6:30 PM local time on 1 November. That equals 8:00 PM in India and 2:30 PM GMT for viewers elsewhere.
Which Afghanistan batter has scored the most runs so far?
Azmatullah Omarzai has scored at least 116 runs, ahead of Ijaz Ahmadzai on 104. Ijaz made 52 in each of the first two matches, both at a strong clip.
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