Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Prediction: Who Will Win 1st Test Match on 20th October 2025?
The stage is set for a classic red-ball contest as Afghanistan take on Zimbabwe in the first and only Test of their 2025 series at Harare Sports Club Ground, Harare, starting Monday, 20th October 2025. Both sides are determined to prove their mettle in the longest format, with Afghanistan looking to extend their dominance in this rivalry. Based on our Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe prediction, the visitors enter as favorites due to their consistent form and strong spin department.
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Match Details
| Match | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 1st Test 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, October 20th, 2025 |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club Ground, Harare |
| Live Streaming | FanCode |
| Format | Test Match |
Zimbabwe Preview
Zimbabwe come into this Test with renewed hope and a home advantage to back them. After a tough spell in recent Test series, they’ll look to rebuild under the leadership of Craig Ervine and the guidance of their senior players. Playing in Harare offers them familiarity with the conditions, where they’ve often relied on seam-friendly mornings and spin-friendly afternoons.
At the top, Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor will aim to provide a steady start. Both possess the experience and technique needed to counter Afghanistan’s attack. The middle order, featuring Nick Welch and Craig Ervine, adds solidity. Ervine’s recent average of 35 in nine Tests makes him a reliable figure, while debutant Antum Naqvi — with his prolific first-class record — could be Zimbabwe’s X-factor.
The heartbeat of this team remains Sikandar Raza, whose all-round brilliance continues to carry Zimbabwe in all formats. He averages nearly 50 against Afghanistan and will play a crucial role in both innings.
In the bowling department, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava will spearhead the pace attack, looking to exploit early movement with the new ball. Wellington Masakadza’s left-arm spin, combined with Raza’s off-spin, provides balance and control, especially on a pitch that tends to dry out as the game progresses.
Zimbabwe Probable Playing XI:
Brian Bennett, Brendan Taylor, Nick Welch, Antum Naqvi, Craig Ervine (c), Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava
Afghanistan Preview
Afghanistan enter this Test brimming with confidence, having beaten Zimbabwe in their last series earlier this year. Despite missing Rashid Khan, their squad is well-balanced, with a mix of solid batters and promising bowlers eager to make an impact.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Abdul Malik are expected to open, both known for their patience and technique. In the middle order, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Ibrahim Zadran form the backbone. Shahidi’s consistency is unmatched — he scored 272 runs in three innings against Zimbabwe in their previous Test series, averaging over 90. His leadership will be vital in stabilizing the innings and setting up big totals.
The middle-to-lower order features Afsar Zazai and Ismat Alam, both of whom can bat responsibly and add crucial partnerships. With Shahidullah Kamal and Sharafuddin Ashraf providing spin depth, Afghanistan have the weapons to exploit conditions in Harare. The fast-bowling unit, led by Yamin Ahmadzai and Zia-ur-Rehman, can utilize early swing and seam to trouble Zimbabwe’s top order.
Afghanistan Probable Playing XI:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz/Bahir Shah, Abdul Malik, Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Afsar Zazai (wk), Ismat Alam, Shahidullah Kamal, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Zia-ur-Rehman, Yamin Ahmadzai, Khalil Gurbaz/Bashir Ahmad
Dream11 Prediction for Today Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st Test
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Wicketkeeper |
| Ibrahim Zadran | Batter |
| Hashmatullah Shahidi (C) | Batter |
| Craig Ervine | Batter |
| Sikandar Raza (VC) | All-rounder |
| Antum Naqvi | Batter |
| Afsar Zazai | Batter |
| Sharafuddin Ashraf | Bowler |
| Zia-ur-Rehman | Bowler |
| Blessing Muzarabani | Bowler |
| Wellington Masakadza | Bowler |
Captain: Hashmatullah Shahidi
Vice-Captain: Sikandar Raza
Players to Avoid:
- Tafadzwa Tsiga (inconsistent with bat and gloves)
- Brad Evans (ineffective on slow surfaces)
Fantasy Insight:
Pick batters who can play long innings, as this pitch rewards patience. Spinners like Sharafuddin and Masakadza could deliver big points as the match progresses.
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
Afghanistan are the favorites to win this Test. Their recent dominance over Zimbabwe, balanced lineup, and spin variety give them a clear advantage. Their batters are in strong form, and their bowlers know how to extract the best from slow pitches. Zimbabwe’s home advantage may count for something early on, but Afghanistan’s discipline and consistency make them the better bet.
Afghanistan Test History
Afghanistan’s journey in Test cricket has been remarkable. Since earning Test status in 2018, they have played 11 Tests, winning 4, losing 6, and drawing 1. Their most famous victory came against Bangladesh and Ireland, where their spinners dominated. Despite being a relatively new Test side, Afghanistan’s rapid progress and fighting spirit have impressed the cricketing world.
Zimbabwe Test History
Zimbabwe have been part of Test cricket since 1992. They’ve played 128 Tests, winning 14, losing 84, and drawing 30. While their golden period came in the early 2000s, recent years have seen a rebuilding phase. With players like Sikandar Raza and Craig Ervine leading the charge, Zimbabwe are eager to reclaim their competitiveness in the longest format.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head in Tests
| Total Matches | Afghanistan Won | Zimbabwe Won | Drawn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Head-to-Head Summary:
Afghanistan hold the upper hand with two wins from four matches, while Zimbabwe have managed one victory. One game ended in a draw, showcasing that Zimbabwe can be competitive, especially on home soil.
Also Check: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Head to Head in Test
Pitch Report – Harare Sports Club, Harare
The Harare surface is traditionally good for batting early on, with moderate pace and bounce. As the match progresses, spinners come into play, and the surface slows down. Batters need to apply patience in the initial overs. A score of around 350 in the first innings is considered competitive.
Weather Report
The weather in Harare is expected to be sunny and clear for the first three days, with a slight chance of clouds on Day 4 and 5. Temperatures will hover between 23°C to 29°C, ideal for cricket.
Broadcast Details
- Live Streaming: FanCode
- TV Broadcast: Not available in India
Toss Prediction
The toss will be crucial in Harare. Teams generally prefer to bat first, make use of the early batting conditions, and let their spinners exploit the surface later. Expect Afghanistan to win the toss and opt to bat first.
Score Prediction
- If Afghanistan Bat First: 289+
- If Zimbabwe Bat First: 254+
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Match Prediction
Our Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe prediction suggests that Afghanistan will have the upper hand throughout the match. Their batting depth and quality spin options make them the more complete side.
Toss Winner: Afghanistan
Match Winner: Afghanistan to Win the 1st Test Match
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – AFG vs ZIM 1st Test
When is the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st Test 2025 scheduled?
The match starts on Monday, 20th October 2025, at Harare Sports Club.
Where can I watch Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st Test live?
You can stream the match live on FanCode in India.
Who has won more Tests between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe?
Afghanistan leads the head-to-head record with 2 wins from 4 matches.
What is the pitch condition in Harare for Tests?
It’s a balanced wicket — good for batting early and assists spinners later in the match.
Who are the top fantasy picks for this match?
Hashmatullah Shahidi, Sikandar Raza, and Ibrahim Zadran are must-haves in your fantasy team.
What is the predicted winner of Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st Test 2025?
According to our analysis, Afghanistan are favorites to win this Test.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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