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Zimbabwe will look to finish the three-match T20I series on a positive note when they take on Afghanistan in the third and final encounter at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on November 1. The visitors have already surrendered the series after losing the first two matches and will be eager to avoid a clean sweep.
Afghanistan won the opening T20I by 37 runs before registering a 19-run victory in the second game. The second defeat particularly hurt Zimbabwe, as they had Afghanistan struggling at 5/4 before Azmatullah Omarzai’s sensational century powered the hosts to 221/7. Zimbabwe fell short despite having opportunities to take control of the contest.
Captain Sikandar Raza will expect a much-improved performance from his players, especially with the bat and in the field. Zimbabwe also have a confirmed personnel change for the final fixture: Kundai Matigimu replaces Brad Evans, who was available only for the first two T20Is.
Here’s Zimbabwe’s Predicted XI for 3rd T20I vs Afghanistan:
Tadiwanashe Marumani is expected to open the innings and take responsibility behind the stumps. The left-handed batter can be aggressive in the powerplay, but Zimbabwe will need him to show better shot selection against Afghanistan’s new-ball attack.
Brian Bennett is likely to partner Marumani at the top. Bennett has the ability to play both pace and spin and will be important in ensuring that Zimbabwe do not lose early wickets. His ability to rotate the strike could also help the visitors avoid getting stuck against Afghanistan’s spinners.
Ben Curran is expected to bat at No. 3. The left-hander can anchor the innings while allowing the more attacking batters around him to play their natural game. Zimbabwe need a substantial contribution from their top three after failing to capitalise on the opportunities they created in the previous match.
Sikandar Raza will lead the side from the middle order. The experienced all-rounder is Zimbabwe’s most influential player and will have to take responsibility for stabilising the innings if the visitors lose early wickets. His ability to accelerate against spin and contribute with the ball makes him indispensable.
Wessly Madhevere is likely to feature at No. 5. He can provide momentum in the middle overs and offer Raza support in building partnerships. His contribution will be particularly important against Afghanistan’s spin-heavy bowling attack.
Ryan Burl should follow at No. 6. The left-handed batter is capable of clearing the boundary and can be useful against both pace and spin. Zimbabwe will expect him to make the most of the final overs rather than leave too much responsibility to the lower order.
Tafadzwa Tsiga could be included as the second wicketkeeping option and provide additional batting depth. He is among the players named in Zimbabwe’s squad for the series and could get an opportunity in the final match.
Blessing Muzarabani is expected to spearhead Zimbabwe’s bowling attack. His height and ability to extract bounce make him a major threat, particularly during the powerplay. Zimbabwe will need him to strike early and prevent Afghanistan’s batters from settling into their innings.
Newman Nyamhuri is likely to partner Muzarabani with the new ball. The left-arm seamer can offer variation and will be important in providing control during the middle overs.
Wellington Masakadza should be the frontline spin option alongside Raza and Burl. His left-arm orthodox bowling can challenge Afghanistan’s right-handed batters, while his experience will be valuable on a Sharjah surface where spinners could play an important role.
The final bowling position is likely to go to Kundai Matigimu, who has been brought into the squad for the third T20I in place of Brad Evans. The change gives the young bowler an opportunity to make an impression in the shortest format.
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