Afghanistan are the pick for the 1st Test in Sharjah, holding a 54% win probability against Zimbabwe’s 46%. Our Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe match prediction rests on resilience and leadership: Rahmat Shah’s side survived a chase of 479 in Abu Dhabi to draw, and he is tipped for big runs again. This preview covers the toss call, pitch and weather notes, head-to-head numbers, the likely playing XI picture, fantasy cricket tips through key-player picks, and the full AFG vs ZIM prediction table.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Match Details
Match | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe | 1st Test | Afghanistan v Zimbabwe |
Date | 05/11/2026 (Thursday) |
Time | BDT 12:00 PM / PKT 11:00 AM / INR 11:30 AM |
Format | Test |
Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
Recent performance | Afghanistan – D W L L D, Zimbabwe – L L L W W |
AFG vs ZIM Afghanistan v Zimbabwe 2026: Live Streaming & Broadcast Info
Coverage of the 1st Test varies by region, and the platforms confirmed so far are listed below.
- Pakistan: A Sports, Tamasha
- India: FanCode
- USA & Canada: Willow TV
- MENA: Ariana Television, Etisalat app
- Worldwide: Matches available via Sports Live Hub for global streaming access across regions.
Broadcast details may vary by region.
Click here to watch the Live Stream on Sports Live Hub (SLH)
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Toss Prediction
Afghanistan are predicted to win the toss and bat first, targeting the 350+ total our table projects. Dew and pitch details are not confirmed, so this call rests on plain Test logic: post a big first-innings score, then let the bowlers work as the surface wears.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
No official pitch report was available at the time of writing, so this pitch report stays cautious. Both sides are projected beyond 340, which points to a surface that rewards patient batting, and Afghanistan’s 346/8 while chasing 479 last time out hints at a track that holds up over several days. Bowlers will still need discipline to stay in the contest.
Weather Report
Temperature and dew figures are not confirmed, so treat this weather report as a watch-and-wait note. Dew matters less over five days than in limited-overs cricket, but any lost time would favour the side protecting a lead or fighting for a draw. Check conditions on match morning before locking in your fantasy lineup.
AFG vs ZIM Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 5 |
Afghanistan Won | 2 |
Zimbabwe Won | 2 |
Tied | 0 |
No Result | 1 (Draw) |
First-ever Fixture | March 2–3, 2021 |
Most-recent Fixture | October 20–22, 2025 |
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Team Preview & Squads
Afghanistan
Rahmat Shah is central to Afghanistan’s success, steering the team as captain and lead all-rounder. He anchors both the batting lineup and tactical fielding strategy. Expected to finish as the top run-scorer, most prolific six-hitter, and Player of the Match, he bears significant pressure. Few players in the squad match his impact or ability to single-handedly drive Afghanistan to victory.
Hashmatullah Shahidi is the key batter, with Ikram Alikhil, Abdul Malik, Afsar Zazai, Ismat Alam, Khalil Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal and Rahmanullah in the squad. The batting showed real stubbornness in Abu Dhabi, where 240 and 346/8 against a target of 479 secured a draw, though the first-innings score was the weaker part.
Zia-ur-Rehman leads Afghanistan’s bowling attack alongside Qais Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, Yamin Ahmadzai, Shahidullah, and Ziaur Rahman, with Rahmanullah predicted as top wicket-taker. Having conceded 346 and 372/7 declared against Bangladesh, the attack needs significantly tighter control. Disciplined line and length will be crucial to restrict the opposition and prevent another high-scoring match.
Afghanistan Squads
Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Abdul Malik, Afsar Zazai, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ismat Alam, Khalil Gurbaz, Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmad, Rahmanullah, Sediqullah Atal, Shahidullah, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia-ur-Rehman, Ziaur Rahman
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe captain and key all-rounder Sikandar Raza exerts influence across every phase of the game. His team enters the match riding high on confidence after a dominant victory over Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs in Harare. That convincing result provided a major morale boost, instilling strong belief in the dressing room as they prepare for their next challenge.
Ben Curran is the key batter, joined by Brian Bennett, Innocent Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Wessly Madhevere, Ryan Burl and Kundai Matigimu. Kaia scored 140 in Harare to take the Player of the Match award, and Bennett is tipped for top runs and most sixes, with a predicted score of 340+.
Wellington Masakadza is the key bowler, supported by Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri and Vincent Masekesa. Muzarabani is predicted as top wicket-taker, and Zimbabwe dismissed Bangladesh for 140 and 185 last time, so the attack can strike when conditions help.
Zimbabwe Squads
Sikandar Raza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brian Bennett, Innocent Kaia, Kundai Matigimu, Newman Nyamhuri, Ryan Burl, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Wessly Madhevere
AFG vs ZIM Prediction
Event | Afghanistan | Zimbabwe |
Toss Winner | Afghanistan | – |
Player of the Match | Rahmat Shah | – |
Top Run Scorer | Rahmat Shah | Brian Bennett |
Top Wicket Taker | Rahmanullah | Blessing Muzarabani |
Most Sixes | Rahmat Shah | Brian Bennett |
Predicted Score | 350+ | 340+ |
Win Probability | 54% | 46% |
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Winning Prediction
Our final call is Afghanistan, with a 54% win probability against Zimbabwe’s 46%, mainly because of Rahmat Shah’s leadership and the batting grit shown in Abu Dhabi. Zimbabwe are no pushovers after their Harare win, so this is no foregone conclusion. Can Sikandar Raza’s side spoil the party in Sharjah? Follow JeetBuzz for more updates, stats and analysis, and see whether this Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe match prediction holds up.
FAQ: AFG vs ZIM 2026 1st Test
What time does the 1st Test start in IST?
The match starts at 11:30 AM IST on November 5, 2026.
Where can fans in India watch the 1st Test live?
The match is available to stream live on Sports Live Hub (SLH).
Who captains Zimbabwe in the 1st Test?
Sikandar Raza captains Zimbabwe in this match.