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The Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe prediction for the 2nd Test match promises an intriguing contest between two determined sides. Scheduled from Thursday, January 2, 2025, to Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, this match holds high stakes after the first Test ended in a thrilling draw. Let’s dive into the detailed preview, predictions, and match insights.
Table of content
- 1 Match Details
- 2 Team Previews
- 3 Afghanistan Preview
- 4 Zimbabwe Preview
- 5 Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Squad
- 6 Dream11 Prediction for Today Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd Test
- 7 Pitch Report
- 8 Weather Report
- 9 Head-to-Head Stats
- 10 Afghanistan Test History
- 11 Zimbabwe Test History
- 12 Toss Prediction
- 13 Match Prediction
- 14 FAQ – AFG vs ZIM 2nd T20
- 15 Share this:
- 16 Like this:
- 17 Related
Match Details
| Match | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 2nd Test 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, January 02, 2025 – Monday, January 06, 2025 |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
| Broadcast | Live Streaming on FanCode |
Team Previews
Afghanistan Preview
Afghanistan proved their mettle in the first Test by posting an astonishing 699 runs in their first innings. They matched Zimbabwe’s batting might with exceptional performances from their top-order batters and displayed glimpses of potential in their bowling attack.
Batting Highlights
Afghanistan’s batting was a spectacle, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah, both of whom scored sublime double centuries.
- Hashmatullah Shahidi top-scored with 246 runs, anchoring the innings with grace and precision.
- Rahmat Shah played a magnificent knock of 234 runs, showcasing his ability to build long innings.
- Contributions from Nasir Jamal and Ibrahim Zadran added to Afghanistan’s imposing total of 699.
Bowling Highlights
The bowling unit struggled to extract much from the placid surface but still managed to keep Zimbabwe in check at critical moments.
- Allah Ghazanfar was the standout bowler, picking up 4 wickets and consistently challenging the batters.
- Zahir Khan provided control with their leg-spin, demonstrating the importance of spin in this series.
Key Players to Watch
- Hashmatullah Shahidi: The in-form batter will look to continue his rich vein of form and dominate Zimbabwe’s bowlers.
- Rahmat Shah: His ability to play long innings makes him a key figure in Afghanistan’s lineup.
Focus Areas
Afghanistan will aim to:
- Strengthen their bowling to dismantle Zimbabwe’s resilient batting order.
- Build on their first Test batting dominance to secure a win in the second Test.
Zimbabwe Preview
Zimbabwe showcased a commendable performance in the first Test against Afghanistan at Bulawayo, putting up a strong fight in a high-scoring draw. Their batting lineup proved its depth and quality, while the bowlers demonstrated the ability to extract results even on a placid pitch.
Batting Highlights
Zimbabwe’s batting was spearheaded by Sean Williams, who amassed 154 runs in the first innings with a combination of patience and aggression. Williams, supported by centuries from Craig Ervine (104*) and Brian Bennett (110), powered Zimbabwe to a mammoth total of 586.
- Ben Curran, making his debut, was another bright spot, contributing 68 runs at the top and following it up with 41 in the second innings.
- Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Ervine provided stability in the middle order, while Bennett’s maiden Test century highlighted the strength of the lower middle order.
Bowling Highlights
Despite a lifeless pitch, Zimbabwe’s bowlers worked hard to make an impact:
- Brian Bennett led the charge with the ball, claiming 5 wickets across Afghanistan’s innings.
- Sean Williams chipped in with two scalps, showing his all-round value.
- Blessing Muzarabani, the side’s lead pacer, bowled tirelessly but had limited success. The home team may consider bringing in Richard Ngarava for more firepower.
Key Players to Watch
- Sean Williams: Zimbabwe’s most reliable all-rounder, capable of anchoring the innings and delivering breakthroughs with the ball.
- Brian Bennett: A rising star with both bat and ball, Bennett adds depth to the lineup.
- Blessing Muzarabani: The strike bowler will aim to deliver early blows on a more responsive surface.
Zimbabwe will look to build on their batting momentum and fine-tune their bowling attack to capitalize on home conditions in the second Test.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Squad
Zimbabwe Squad: Joylord Gumbie (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Ben Curran, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Sean Williams, Dion Myers, Brian Bennett, Brandon Mavuta, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwa Chataira, Johnathan Campbell, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Nyasha Mayavo
Afghanistan Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Afsar Zazai (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Zia-ur-Rehman, AM Ghazanfar, Naveed Zadran, Zahir Khan, Ikram Alikhil, Riaz Hassan, Zahir Shehzad, Bahir Shah, Bashir Ahmad, Ismat Alam, Yamin Ahmadzai, Fareed Ahmad Malik
Dream11 Prediction for Today Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd Test
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Hashmatullah Shahidi (C) | Batter |
| Rahmat Shah (VC) | Batter |
| Sean Williams | All-rounder |
| Craig Ervine | Batter |
| Brian Bennett | Bowler |
| Allah Ghazanfar | Bowler |
| Ben Curran | Batter |
| Sikandar Raza | All-rounder |
| Blessing Muzarabani | Bowler |
| Zahir Khan | Bowler |
| Afsar Zazai | Wicketkeeper |
Fantasy Analysis
- Captain: Hashmatullah Shahidi for his remarkable ability to anchor long innings.
- Vice-Captain: Rahmat Shah for his knack for scoring big under pressure.
Players to Avoid
- Trevor Gwandu: Limited opportunities in the playing XI.
- Sediqullah Atal: Inconsistent form and unlikely to contribute significantly.
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Pitch Report
The Queens Sports Club offers a balanced surface. The first two days are favorable for batting, while spinners gain dominance as the match progresses. Fast bowlers may extract some swing under overcast conditions.
| Queens Sports Club |
| City | Bulawayo | ||
| Country | Zimbabwe | ||
| Matches Played | 26 | ||
| Matches Won Batting First | 4 (15.38%) | ||
| Matches Won Batting Second | 12 (46.15%) | ||
| Matches Drawn | 10 (38.46%) | ||
| Highest Individual Innings | 270 | K C Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) | 14/05/2004 v Zimbabwe |
| Best Bowling (Innings) | 8/109 | P A Strang (Zimbabwe) | 12/09/2000 v New Zealand |
| Best Bowling (Match) | 13/99 | G Gudakesh Motie (West Indies) | 12/02/2023 v Zimbabwe |
| Highest Team Innings | 713/3 dec (Sri Lanka) | 14/05/2004 v Zimbabwe | |
| Lowest Team Innings | 104 (Zimbabwe) | 12/11/2003 v West Indies | |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 184/2 (India) | 07/06/2001 v Zimbabwe | |
| Average Opening Stand (Runs) | 40.71 | ||
| Average Runs per Wicket | 34.97 | ||
| Average Runs per Over | 2.94 | ||
| Average Score Batting First | 318 | ||
Weather Report
The weather in Bulawayo is expected to be mostly sunny with occasional clouds. Rain interruptions are unlikely, making for uninterrupted play. Temperatures will range from 25°C to 28°C.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches Played | Afghanistan Won | Zimbabwe Won | Draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
In their head-to-head clashes, both teams have displayed competitive performances, with Afghanistan having the upper hand in recent encounters.
Afghanistan Test History
- Matches Played: 10
- Wins: 3
- Losses: 6
- Draws: 1
Afghanistan has shown rapid progress in Test cricket, with significant wins against established teams. Their batting lineup has grown increasingly dependable in recent matches.
Zimbabwe Test History
- Matches Played: 119
- Wins: 13
- Losses: 76
- Draws: 30
Zimbabwe has a rich Test history, although success has been limited. Their strength lies in experienced players like Sean Williams and Craig Ervine.
Toss Prediction
The toss-winning team is likely to bat first to capitalize on a batting-friendly pitch in the early days.
Match Prediction
Afghanistan is the favorite to win or draw this match, given their superior batting strength and the spin-friendly conditions.
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 2nd T20
Who will win today’s Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd Test match?
Afghanistan is expected to win or force a draw.
Which players are key for Afghanistan?
Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, and Allah Ghazanfar.
Which players are key for Zimbabwe?
Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, and Blessing Muzarabani.
Where can I watch the match live?
The match will be live-streamed on FanCode.
What are the chances of rain interrupting the match?
Very low, as the weather forecast predicts mostly sunny conditions.
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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