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The stage is set for the first test of the two-match series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistanscheduled to take place at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from December 26 to 30. Both teams will look to make their mark in the longest format, after contrasting performances in the recently concluded white-ball series.
For Zimbabwe, the Test series offers a fresh start after suffering defeats in both the T20I and ODI formats. The hosts will try to hit the reset button and put up a stronger fight in red-ball cricket. However, their batting lineup remains a cause for concern. The top performers struggled to find their rhythm in the shorter formats and will face an equally tough challenge in the Tests. Pattern Craig Ervin They will have 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 with a wave of confidence. After dominating the T20I and ODI series, they will be eager to complete the tour with a win in the red-ball format. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi He has effectively led his team, which has demonstrated remarkable consistency across all departments. With momentum on their side, Afghanistan will look to capitalize on their good 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
- Event: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Queens Sports Club Presentation Report
The Queens Sports Club pitch in Bulawayo is famous for its balanced nature, providing equal competition between batsmen and bowlers. Recent matches suggest an average first innings score of around 307 runs, highlighting that while runs can be accumulated, this requires skill and patience on the part of the batsmen.
Early in the match, the surface is likely to favor the players as the new ball offers seam movement. As the game progresses, the field tends to stabilize, becoming more favorable for batting and creating opportunities to score more points. The spinners are also expected to come into play later in the innings as the pitch begins to wear down.
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 cloudiness expected during the test, players will have to adapt to the changing behavior of the field throughout the match.
ZIM vs. AFGFirst Test: Dream11 Prediction Picks
- Goalkeepers: Afsar Zazai
- Hitters: Craig ErvineRahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi
- All terrain: Seam Williams, Sikandar Raza, Azmatullah Omarzai
- Bowlers: Zahir Khan, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Naveed Zadran
ZIM vs. AFG1st test: Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice Captain
Option 1: Azmatullah Omarzai (c), Sikandar Raza (vc)
Option 2: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Craig Ervine (vc)
ZIM vs. AFG1st test: Dream11 Prediction Backups
Brian Bennett, Fareed Ahmad, Sediqullah Atal, Joylord Gumbie
READ ALSO: ZIM vs AFG 2024, 1st Test: Queens Sports Club presentation report, Bulawayo Test statistics and records
ZIM vs. AFG1st 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
