Afghanistan will face Zimbabwe in the opening match of their three-match T20I series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 27. The Ibrahim Zadran-led team will enter the series with confidence after beating Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the UAE ODI Tri-Series final.

Afghanistan will aim to carry that momentum into the T20I series and take an early lead. Zimbabwe, captained by Sikandar Raza, will look to bounce back after losing the final and improve their record against Afghanistan, having won only two of their previous 21 T20I meetings.

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 169 in the ODI Tri-Series final at Sharjah before Afghanistan chased down the target in 34.3 overs. Ibrahim Zadran scored an unbeaten 70, while Rahmat Shah added 43 to guide Afghanistan to victory.

Rashid Khan took three wickets in the final and finished the tournament with 11, earning the Player of the Series award. Sikandar Raza top-scored for Zimbabwe with 68, but his effort could not prevent defeat. Both teams will now turn their attention to the T20I format.

AFG vs ZIM Match Preview & Recent Form

Afghanistan showed disciplined bowling and consistent batting to win the ODI Tri-Series. Ibrahim Zadran scored 194 runs in three matches at an average of 97, while Sediqullah Atal scored 112 runs.

Afghanistan's bowling attack also delivered throughout the tournament. Rashid Khan claimed 11 wickets in three matches, including 3/41 in the final against Zimbabwe. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Bilal Sami took two wickets each in the final, while Mohammad Nabi returned figures of 2/25.

Afghanistan will look to carry that form into the T20I series, with Rashid and the other spinners expected to play key roles. Their ability to control the middle overs could prove important against Zimbabwe's batting lineup at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Zimbabwe must improve their batting after their collapse in the final. They had shown their potential earlier in the tournament with a 99-run win over Bangladesh, but their top and middle order failed to build partnerships against Afghanistan.

Captain Sikandar Raza remains a key player, having scored 120 runs across the three matches. Ryan Burl has also contributed with the bat, while fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani will need to strike early and put pressure on Afghanistan's batting lineup.

AFG vs ZIM Live Streaming, Live Telecast: Where to Watch 1st T20I?

Cricket fans in India can watch the live streaming of the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe first T20I on the FanCode app and website. The match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM IST (6:30 PM local time) on Tuesday, October 27. The toss will take place 30 minutes before the start of play.

AFG vs ZIM Pitch Report: How Will Sharjah Cricket Stadium Play?

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium pitch generally offers a slow, low surface that favours spinners and slower bowlers. The ball comes onto the bat better early in the innings, while the short boundaries help batters score quickly during the powerplay.

As the match progresses, the surface can slow down and offer more grip. Spinners who vary their pace could control the middle overs, while cutters may also prove effective. Batters will need to rotate the strike and choose their scoring shots carefully.

Teams winning the toss may prefer to bowl first and set a competitive target. Chasing could become difficult as the pitch slows down, especially against Afghanistan's spin attack.

AFG vs ZIM T20I Stats at Sharjah Cricket Stadium

• Total matches: 75

• Matches won batting first: 44

• Matches won bowling first: 31

• Average first-innings score: 145

• Average second-innings score: 123

• Highest total recorded: 215/6 (Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe)

• Lowest total recorded: 38 (Hong Kong vs Pakistan)

• Highest successful chase: 206/8 (UAE vs Bangladesh)

• Lowest total defended: 119/7 (Bangladesh Women vs Scotland Women)

• Highest individual score: 118 (Mohammad Shahzad, Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 2016)

• Best bowling figures: 5/13 (Samiullah Shinwari, Afghanistan vs Kenya, 2013)

AFG vs ZIM Weather Forecast & Rain Threat at Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Sharjah is expected to experience hot, dry conditions during the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe T20I. The forecast indicates a daytime high of around 35°C, with temperatures dropping to approximately 29°C in the evening. Rain is unlikely to interrupt the match, with no rainfall forecast.

AFG vs ZIM Team News & Squad Updates

Afghanistan have dropped Mohammad Nabi from the T20I squad, while Darwish Rasooli has been left out of both the ODI and T20I squads. Fast-bowling all-rounder Abdullah Tarakhil earned his first call-up after impressing in the Shpageeza Cricket League.

Mohammad Akram, who made his T20I debut at the 2026 Asian Games, has also been included. Ijaz Ahmadzai and Shahidullah Kamal have been recalled, while Fareed Ahmad Malik has moved from the reserves to the main squad.

Zimbabwe batter Innocent Kaia has returned for the T20Is after recovering from a thigh strain. Tafadzwa Tsiga and Vincent Masekesa have joined the white-ball squads and could make their T20I debuts.

AFG vs ZIM Predicted Playing 11 Today

Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran (c), Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Akram, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Zimbabwe Predicted Playing XI:

Tadiwanashe Marumani, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri

AFG vs ZIM Key Player Battles to Watch

Sediqullah Atal vs Blessing Muzarabani:

Sediqullah Atal will look to attack during the powerplay and give Afghanistan a quick start. Blessing Muzarabani will use his height, bounce, and accuracy, particularly outside the off stump.

Sikandar Raza vs Rashid Khan:

Sikandar Raza will be central to Zimbabwe's middle order. In previous T20 meetings, Rashid has conceded 77 runs off 73 balls against Raza and dismissed him four times.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Brad Evans:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz can score quickly during the powerplay, especially with Sharjah's short boundaries. Brad Evans will need to maintain a disciplined line to restrict the Afghanistan opener.

AFG vs ZIM Key Players to Watch

Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan

Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, Ryan Burl