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Zimbabwe will face Afghanistan in the final of the ODI tri-series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 23. Led by Sikandar Raza, the Chevrons will aim to overcome Afghanistan’s formidable spin attack and claim the trophy. Both teams have competed against Bangladesh in the tournament, with Zimbabwe looking to make the most of their experienced batting lineup and disciplined bowling unit.
Zimbabwe entered the final with a squad that combined experienced campaigners such as Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine and Raza with emerging talents Brian Bennett and Ben Curran. Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans will be important with the ball, while the spin department will have to play a key role against Afghanistan’s technically sound batters.
Brian Bennett is expected to open the innings and provide Zimbabwe with an aggressive start. The young batter has shown the ability to score quickly and put pressure on bowlers during the powerplay. Against Afghanistan, he will need to be careful against the new ball before looking to exploit scoring opportunities. A confident start from Bennett could help Zimbabwe establish a strong platform.
Ben Curran is likely to partner Bennett at the top of the order. His left-handed batting provides variety and can make it difficult for opposition bowlers to settle into a rhythm. Curran will need to focus on strike rotation and build a partnership with Bennett, particularly against Afghanistan’s seamers. If the openers survive the initial spell, Zimbabwe could put themselves in a strong position.
Brendan Taylor could bat at No. 3, bringing experience and composure to the top order. His ability to handle pressure and build an innings makes him an important player in a final. Taylor will be expected to stabilise the innings if Zimbabwe lose an early wicket and use his experience to negotiate Afghanistan’s spinners during the middle overs.
Middle order: Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza and Wessly Madhevere
Craig Ervine is expected to occupy the No. 4 position. The left-handed batter is a reliable option in the middle order and can build partnerships when the team needs stability. His experience against spin will be especially valuable against Afghanistan, whose bowlers are capable of creating pressure through accuracy and variations.
Sikandar Raza is likely to bat at No. 5 and lead Zimbabwe’s charge. The all-rounder is one of the team’s most influential players, offering aggressive batting and useful off-spin. His role will be crucial if Zimbabwe need to rebuild after early wickets or accelerate towards the end of the innings. Raza’s tactical decisions will also be important when managing the bowling attack against Afghanistan’s powerful batting lineup.
Wessly Madhevere could feature at No. 6 as a flexible batting option who can also contribute with off-spin. His ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries will be useful in the middle and death overs. Madhevere will need to make the most of his opportunity, especially if Zimbabwe require a late acceleration.
Tafadzwa Tsiga is predicted to take the wicketkeeping duties and bat in the lower middle order. His inclusion provides Zimbabwe with another batting option and allows the top order to play with greater freedom. Tsiga will need to contribute valuable runs if the innings loses momentum during the middle overs.
Ryan Burl could be included to strengthen the all-round options. His left-handed batting can help Zimbabwe maintain momentum, while his leg-spin gives Raza an additional bowling choice. Burl’s flexibility could prove useful against Afghanistan, particularly if the captain needs to adjust his bowling plans according to the conditions.
Brad Evans is expected to be a key member of Zimbabwe’s pace attack. His ability to strike with the ball and contribute useful runs lower down the order makes him a valuable all-round option. Evans will be tasked with taking wickets during the powerplay and executing his plans in the death overs.
Blessing Muzarabani is likely to lead the pace attack. His height and ability to generate bounce can trouble Afghanistan’s batters, especially when he maintains a disciplined line and length. Zimbabwe will look to him for early breakthroughs and crucial wickets when Afghanistan attempt to accelerate.
Wellington Masakadza could complete the XI as a specialist left-arm spinner. His role will be to restrict scoring during the middle overs and create pressure on Afghanistan’s middle order. His accuracy and variations could be important on the Sharjah surface, where spin may influence the contest.
Predicted Zimbabwe Playing XI vs Afghanistan
This is a predicted lineup based on Zimbabwe’s announced ODI squad and expected team balance. The official playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.
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