Afghanistan are the favourites in this Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe match prediction, holding a 53% win probability against Zimbabwe’s 47%. Five straight wins and a 158-run thrashing of the same opponents earlier this week give AFG the momentum, while Rashid Khan’s spin and an in-form batting order should shape the Final. Still, ZIM have Sikandar Raza and will not fold quietly. Our UAE ODI Tri-Series preview walks through the pitch conditions, the weather outlook, the head-to-head numbers, the key talking points for each side’s playing XI, Fantasy Cricket picks and a complete prediction table.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Match Details
Match | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe | Final | UAE ODI Tri-Series |
Date | 23/10/2026 (Friday) |
Time | BDT 5:30 PM / PKT 4:30 PM / INR 5:00 PM |
Format | ODI |
Venue | Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium |
Recent performance | Afghanistan – W W W W W, Zimbabwe – L L L W L |
AFG vs ZIM UAE ODI Tri-Series 2026: Live Streaming & Broadcast Info
Fans can follow the Final through the regional platforms listed below.
- Pakistan: A-Sports / Tamasha
- India: FanCode
- USA & Canada: Willow TV / Willow by Cricbuzz / Prime Video
- United Kingdom: Sport TV / Sport Central
- Bangladesh: T Sports / Tapmad
- Sri Lanka: PEO TV / Dialog
- Worldwide: Matches available via Sports Live Hub for global streaming access across regions.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Toss Prediction
In this toss prediction, Afghanistan are expected to win the toss and bat first. With a title at stake, posting a target and letting Rashid Khan squeeze the chase is the sensible plan. Evening dew may help chasers late, but AFG’s bowling depth should offset it, making batting first the stronger call.
Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Report
Sharjah has a reputation for surfaces that grip and slow down as the innings goes on, so scoring rarely comes easily once the ball gets old. Batters who rotate strike and find the gaps usually outdo pure hitters. This pitch report points to a competitive total, with spinners likely to dominate the middle overs and the side batting first needing patience before accelerating. Teams that preserve wickets for the final ten overs usually get the best returns.
Weather Report
The weather section is kept broad because no official forecast was provided for the match. October evenings in Sharjah are typically warm, and floodlit games can bring dew later in the night, making the ball harder to grip for bowlers in the second innings. Captains will keep that in mind at the toss, and fielding sides must stay sharp with a damp ball. Check the conditions closer to the start, since a change in humidity can shift the balance.
AFG vs ZIM Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 32 |
AFG Won | 21 |
ZIM Won | 10 |
Tied | 0 |
No Result | 1 |
First-ever Fixture | July 18, 2014 |
Most-recent Fixture | October 19, 2026 |
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Team Preview & Squads
Afghanistan
Rahmat Shah leads an Afghanistan side that reaches the Final on the back of five straight wins. His calm captaincy has helped the team turn pressure into results, most recently the seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Sharjah, which finished with 87 balls to spare. Playing at the same venue again is a clear advantage for them.
The batting looks well organised. Ibrahim Zadran is the key batter, and Sediqullah Atal struck 102 off 110 balls against Zimbabwe on October 19. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is tipped to lead both the run-scoring and the six-hitting, adding real power at the top of the order. Afghanistan also posted 294 in their last meeting with Zimbabwe, so scoring runs is clearly not a problem.
With the ball, Rashid Khan is the headline act after taking 4/31 against Bangladesh and collecting the Player of the Match award. Mohammad Nabi adds all-round balance, and this AFG vs ZIM preview leans toward a bowling unit that already bundled Zimbabwe out for 136 in 38.4 overs. Fantasy cricket tips should therefore lean heavily on Rashid and Nabi.
Afghanistan Squads
Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Bilal Sami, Fazalhaq Farooqi, AM Ghazanfar, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ibrahim Zadran, Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Nangeyalia Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, Sediqullah Atal, Yamin Ahmadzai, Ziaur Rahman
Zimbabwe
Sikandar Raza captains Zimbabwe and doubles as their key all-rounder, so much of the team’s fate rests on him. Their recent form reads L L L W L, and the 158-run defeat to Afghanistan on October 19 will sting, though a Final is a fresh contest and the pressure sits more on the favourites.
Brian Bennett is the key batter, and the order must improve after being dismissed for 136 while chasing 295. A stable start is essential. Raza is predicted to be the leading run-scorer and top six-hitter, with the team projected at 270+ if the batters click. Fantasy cricket tips would back Raza as a strong captaincy option for ZIM.
Brad Evans is the key bowler, while Blessing Muzarabani is tipped to be the leading wicket-taker. Raza’s overs add flexibility, but the playing XI will need discipline early to dent an Afghan lineup that chased 161 with ease against Bangladesh.
Zimbabwe Squads
Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Ben Curran, Craig Ervine, Brad Evans, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Ernest Masuku, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Brendan Taylor, Tafadzwa Tsiga
AFG vs ZIM Prediction
Event | Afghanistan | Zimbabwe |
Toss Winner | Afghanistan | – |
Player of the Match | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | – |
Top Run Scorer | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Sikandar Raza |
Top Wicket Taker | Rashid Khan | Blessing Muzarabani |
Most Sixes | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Sikandar Raza |
Predicted Score | 280+ | 270+ |
Win Probability | 53% | 47% |
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Winning Prediction
Afghanistan are our pick at 53% against Zimbabwe’s 47%, backed by Rashid Khan’s wicket-taking, Gurbaz’s power and five straight wins. Zimbabwe can still spoil the party if Raza fires, so this Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe match prediction stays analytical rather than absolute. Do you think AFG will lift the trophy, or will ZIM spring a Final upset? Drop your thoughts, and follow JeetBuzz for more updates, stats and cricket analysis.
FAQ: UAE ODI Tri-Series 2026 Final
Q1. What time does the Final start in IST?
The match starts at 5:00 PM IST on October 23, 2026.
Q2. Who is Zimbabwe’s captain for the Final?
Sikandar Raza leads Zimbabwe.
Q3. Who was Afghanistan’s Player of the Match against Bangladesh?
Rashid Khan won the award for his 4/31.