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Afghanistan will aim to complete a clean sweep when they face Zimbabwe in the third and final T20I at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday, November 1. The hosts have already secured the series with victories in the first two matches and will look to carry their momentum into the final fixture.
Afghanistan won the opening T20I by 37 runs, with Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai and Shahidullah Kamal making important contributions with the bat before Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid Khan led the bowling effort. They followed it up with a 19-run win in the second game, recovering from a precarious 5/4 to post 221/7. Azmatullah Omarzai’s remarkable 116 off 50 balls proved decisive, while Rashid Khan also reached the landmark of 200 T20I wickets.
With the series already in the bag, Afghanistan could consider a change or two. However, the team management may prefer to maintain a winning combination and give the core group another opportunity to build confidence ahead of future assignments.
Here’s Afghanistan’s Predicted XI for 3rd T20I vs Zimbabwe:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is likely to continue as the wicketkeeper-opener, with captain Ibrahim Zadran alongside him. Gurbaz’s attacking approach can put Zimbabwe’s bowlers under pressure during the powerplay, while Ibrahim offers stability and the ability to build an innings.
Mohammad Akram could retain his place at No. 3. The young batter has been part of Afghanistan’s series plans and provides another right-handed option in the top order. Sediqullah Atal is expected to follow, adding a left-handed presence and the ability to accelerate against both pace and spin.
Afghanistan’s top order will be keen to avoid another early collapse like the one witnessed in the second T20I. Although Omarzai’s extraordinary innings rescued the side, the team would prefer a more measured start in the final match.
Shahidullah Kamal is likely to occupy the middle order after making a valuable contribution in the series opener. His left-handed batting gives Afghanistan a different angle against Zimbabwe’s bowling attack.
Azmatullah Omarzai should remain one of the first names on the team sheet. His record-breaking century in the second T20I showcased his ability to change a match rapidly, while his medium pace adds balance to the side. He is expected to bat around No. 6 and provide a crucial link between the specialist batters and the lower order.
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai could follow at No. 7. His maiden T20I half-century in the first match demonstrated his potential as a finisher, and Afghanistan may want to give him another opportunity to contribute in the closing overs.
Rashid Khan is expected to lead the bowling attack. The Afghanistan star became the first men’s player to claim 200 T20I wickets during the second match and remains central to the team’s plans in the middle overs.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman should partner Rashid as the frontline spinner. His variations and ability to bowl in the powerplay make him a valuable option against Zimbabwe’s aggressive batters.
Fareed Ahmad is likely to retain his place as a left-arm pace option. He can provide early movement and offer a different angle at the death. Abdollah Ahmadzai could complete the attack, with his inclusion giving Afghanistan another pace-bowling option.
Fazalhaq Farooqi is also part of Afghanistan’s squad and could come into contention if the management opts to rotate its fast bowlers. However, after his impressive performance in the first T20I, his possible omission would be a tactical call rather than a reflection of form.
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