Hand-picked stories you can't miss
Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will battle for the ODI tri-series trophy on October 23 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. With the title at stake, both teams will rely heavily on their bowling attacks to handle the pressure and restrict their opponents’ batting lineups.
Afghanistan will enter the final with confidence after defeating Zimbabwe by 158 runs in their previous meeting on October 19. Rashid Khan claimed four wickets, while Fazalhaq Farooqi picked up two as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 136 while chasing 295. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will look to their pace attack to produce a stronger performance in the title clash.
1. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
Rashid Khan will be Afghanistan’s biggest bowling threat in the final. The leg-spinner was outstanding against Zimbabwe in their previous encounter, claiming four wickets for just 17 runs. His spell dismantled the opposition’s middle order and helped Afghanistan secure a comprehensive victory.
Rashid’s biggest strength is his ability to combine accuracy with deceptive variations. His leg-breaks, googlies and changes of pace make it difficult for batters to settle into a rhythm. He can attack the stumps, force mistakes from aggressive players and build pressure by denying easy scoring opportunities.
Zimbabwe’s experienced batters, including captain Sikandar Raza and Craig Ervine, will need to approach Rashid carefully. Raza can counterattack and put pressure on spinners, but doing so against Rashid carries considerable risk. Ervine’s ability to build an innings could be equally important, particularly if Zimbabwe lose early wickets.
The conditions in Abu Dhabi could further increase Rashid’s influence if the surface offers assistance to spin. Afghanistan may use him during the middle overs to break partnerships and prevent Zimbabwe from building a platform for a late acceleration.
Rashid’s role will not be limited to taking wickets. If he keeps the scoring rate under control, he could force Zimbabwe’s batters to take risks against the other bowlers as well.
Why he matters: Rashid has already demonstrated how damaging he can be against Zimbabwe. Another disciplined, wicket-taking spell could put Afghanistan in a commanding position to defend the title-clash pressure.
2. Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe)
Blessing Muzarabani will be one of Zimbabwe’s most important players in the final. The tall right-arm fast bowler offers bounce, pace and the ability to trouble batters with deliveries that climb sharply off the pitch. Zimbabwe will need him to make early inroads against Afghanistan’s formidable top order.
In their previous meeting, Afghanistan posted 294 runs, with Sediqullah Atal scoring 102 and Ibrahim Zadran contributing 90. Muzarabani will need to find a way to prevent a repeat of that partnership if Zimbabwe are to improve their chances of winning the final.
His first task will be to challenge Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran with the new ball. Gurbaz is an aggressive batter who can punish loose deliveries, while Ibrahim has the patience to build a substantial innings. Muzarabani will need to maintain a consistent line and length rather than offering scoring opportunities through over-pitched or short deliveries.
His height allows him to generate awkward bounce, potentially forcing batters to play from uncomfortable positions. If he can create uncertainty early, Zimbabwe could expose Afghanistan’s middle order before it settles.
Muzarabani may also have an important role in the closing overs. His ability to hit the deck hard and vary his pace could help restrict Afghanistan if the batters look to accelerate towards the end of the innings.
Why he matters: Zimbabwe need early wickets to prevent Afghanistan from building another large total. Muzarabani’s pace and bounce give him the tools to disrupt the opposition’s top order and provide his team with a strong start.
3. Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)
Fazalhaq Farooqi is another bowler who could play a decisive role in the final. The left-arm seamer was effective against Zimbabwe in the previous match, finishing with two wickets for 15 runs. His contribution helped Afghanistan restrict the Chevrons to 136 and complete their emphatic victory.
Farooqi’s left-arm angle offers Afghanistan a different challenge from their right-arm seamers. He can move the ball away from right-handed batters, attack the stumps and use changes of pace to prevent opponents from settling. His ability to bowl with the new ball makes him especially valuable during the powerplay.
Zimbabwe will need their openers to negotiate Farooqi’s initial spell without losing wickets. If he strikes early, Afghanistan could put the visitors under pressure before their experienced middle order has an opportunity to stabilise the innings.
Farooqi’s importance could extend beyond the opening overs. His variations and ability to execute yorkers make him a potential option at the death, when Zimbabwe may need to score quickly. Maintaining accuracy will be crucial, as even a few loose deliveries could allow the opposition to regain momentum.
The left-arm pacer also complements Rashid’s spin by giving Afghanistan different ways to attack. While Rashid can control the middle overs, Farooqi can create breakthroughs with the new ball and at the end of the innings.
This article identifies likely key bowlers based on recent performances and expected roles. Final team selections will be confirmed at the toss.
