The stage is set for the first Test of the two-match series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, scheduled to take place at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from December 26 to 30. Both teams will be looking to make their mark in the longer format, following contrasting performances in the recently concluded white-ball series.
For Zimbabwe, the Test series offers a fresh start after enduring defeats in both the T20I and ODI formats. The hosts will aim to hit the reset button and put up a stronger fight in red-ball cricket. However, their batting lineup remains a point of concern. The top order struggled to find rhythm in the shorter formats, and they’ll face an equally tough challenge in the Tests. Skipper Craig Ervine will need to lead by example, and the rest of the batting unit must step up if Zimbabwe hopes to post competitive totals.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan enters the Test series riding a wave of confidence. After dominating the T20I and ODI series, they will be eager to complete a clean sweep of the tour with a triumph in the red-ball format. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has effectively led his side, which has shown remarkable consistency across all departments. With momentum on their side, Afghanistan will look to capitalize on their strong form and end the tour on a high note.
Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024-25, 1st Test:
- Start date and time: December 26; 1:30 pm IST/ 10:00 am local/ 8:00 am GMT
- Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Queens Sports Club Pitch Report
The pitch at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo is renowned for its balanced nature, providing an even contest between batters and bowlers. Recent matches suggest an average first-innings score of around 307 runs, highlighting that while runs can be accumulated, it demands skill and patience from the batters.
Early in the match, the surface is likely to favor bowlers, with the new ball offering seam movement. As the game progresses, the pitch tends to settle, becoming more favorable for batting and creating opportunities for higher scoring. Spinners, too, are expected to come into play later in the innings as the pitch begins to wear.
Winning the toss at this venue often presents a tactical dilemma, as both batting and bowling first have their advantages depending on the conditions. With a mix of humidity and possible cloud cover anticipated during the Test, players will need to remain adaptable to the changing behavior of the pitch throughout the match.
ZIM vs AFG, 1st Test: Dream11 Prediction Picks
- Wicketkeepers: Afsar Zazai
- Batters: Craig Ervine, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi
- All-rounders: Seam Williams, Sikandar Raza, Azmatullah Omarzai
- Bowlers: Zahir Khan, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Naveed Zadran
ZIM vs AFG, 1st Test: Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain
Choice 1: Azmatullah Omarzai (c), Sikandar Raza (vc)
Choice 2: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Craig Ervine (vc)
ZIM vs AFG, 1st Test: Dream11 Prediction Backups
Brian Bennett, Fareed Ahmad, Sediqullah Atal, Joylord Gumbie
Also READ: ZIM vs AFG 2024, 1st Test – Queens Sports Club Pitch Report, Bulawayo Test stats and Records
ZIM vs AFG, 1st Test: Dream11 Team for today’s match (December 26, 8:00 am GMT)
Squads
Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Takudzwa Chataira, Ben Curran, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams
Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Abdul Malik, Afsar Zazai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Bahir Shah, Bashir Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Ikram Alikhil, Ismat Alam, Naveed Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Rashid Khan, Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zahir Khan, Zahir Shehzad, Zia-ur-Rehman
Also READ: ZIM vs AFG – Bulawayo Weather Forecast for the Boxing Day Test | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2024
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