Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are gearing up for a one-off Test at Harare Sports Club starting October 20to mark the resumption of Afghanistan’s red-ball campaign after a long hiatus and Zimbabwe’s return to the capital. With both familiar teams, new faces, evolving squads and contrasting strengths in this format, there’s plenty ready to be tested.
Zimbabwe look at the end of the drought at home
It was back in 2013 when Zimbabwe won the last Test in Harare and they will be desperate to end this barren run. Alt Craig ErvineKapitancy relies heavily on experienced performers as hosts Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Razaand Wellington Masakadza to bring strength in the departments. Log in Antum NaqviAdding a spark of optimism to the batting line-up, who averages around 70 in first-class cricket. Their PACE Attack, Featuring Muzarabani mubarak and Richard Shipexpected early use of a firm surface with pace and bounce before spinners and bouncers as the game progresses. Consistency remains Zimbabwe’s biggest challenge after losing four of their last six Tests by an innings margin.
Winning by sight in Afghanistan
Afghanistan aim to enter this Test as the dominant emerging team in red-ball cricket. Per head Shahid of Hashmatullahthey boast a balanced side despite the lack of visitors Rashid Khan and Rahmat Shah. Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbazand Bahir Shah The spin duo, on the other hand, form a disciplined top order that can be looked at for long partnerships Zia-Ur-Rehman Akbar and Sharafuddin Ashraf Keep the key in the last steps. Their last tour for Zimbabwe ended with a 1-0 series win thanks to superior batting discipline and cutting spin and the team will look to repeat that success.
Zim vs AFG, one-off test: relevant details
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- Date and time: 20-24 October 2025: 01:30 AM: 01:30 AM GMT / 10:00 AM local
- Location: Harare Sports Club, Harare
Zim vs AFG head to head record in tests:
Matches played: 4| Afghanistan won: 2 | Zimbabwe won: 1 | Draw: 1
Harare Sports Club Pitch report
The Harare surface is expected to play early to aid the fast bowlers with movement and bounce in the opening sessions before slowing down quickly. Spinners should find the application with the duration and application critically, advancing the increased help after three days. The batting end can be treacherous with uneven bounce and catch to put a significant emphasis on gathering and powerfully fielding the final, spitting and strong first innings.
Teams:
Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran, Abdul Malik, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Bahir Shahidullah Kamal, Ismat Alam, Zia-Ur-Rehman Akbar, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Khalil Gurbaz, Afsar Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Ikram Alikhil, Bashir Ahmed
Zimbabwe: Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Nick Welch, Craig Ervine (c), Brendan Taylor (WK), Tafadzwa Tsiga, Sikandar Raza, Wellington Masakadza, Nemat Muzanabani, Richard Ngarava, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Antum Naqvi
Zim vs AFG, one-off test:
If Afghanistan get the chance to bat first, they will look to take full advantage of Harare’s flat early conditions to post a total of over 400. The top order that Ibrahim and Shahidi have made their own is capable of going long hours against the Zimbabwean PACE attack, which tends to flatten out after the first session. After the pitch started to dry up from Day 3, Afghanistan’s spin duo of spin and extra could take advantage of the growing rough patches to push Zimbabwe’s middle-order through errors and rallies to end the visitors’ latest dominance, pushing the visitors’ hosts.
On the other hand, if Zimbabwe win the toss and choose to bat first, Craig Ovine’s side will have Taylor, Raza and Naqvi form an early partnership and target around 350 in the first innings. Afghanistan’s disciplined new ball pair Yamin Ahmadzai Sharif will look to strike within the first hour and break Zimbabwe’s scoring rate. A response of around 450 could set the tone for another commanding position if Afghanistan’s inclinations apply to the same surface later.
Facing a fourth innings wearing a grainy outfit for a changing bounce, Zimbabwe’s inexperienced lower order may find Afghanistan’s spinners difficult to get off. The visitors’ superior balance and form make Afghanistan the clear favorites to win this one-off Test in Harary and seal the 2025 tour with memorable red-ball triumphs.
Read: Afghanistan announced their test and t20i squads for the tour of Zimbabwe
