The stage was set for the first Test of the two-match series between them Zimbabwe and AfghanistanIt is scheduled to take place at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from 26 to 30 December. Both teams are looking forward to making their mark in the longest tournament, after mixed performances in the recently concluded white-ball series.
For Zimbabwe, the Test series offers a fresh start after consistent 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 line-up remains a point of concern. The top order has struggled to find rhythm in the shorter formats, and they will face an equally tough challenge in the Tests. master Craig Irvin They will need to lead by example, and the rest of the batting unit must step up if Zimbabwe hope to post competitive totals.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan enter the Test series riding a wave of confidence. After dominating the T20I and ODI series, they will be raring to complete the tour sweep with a victory in the red-ball format. captain May God have mercy on me, my martyr He has effectively led his team, which has shown remarkable consistency in all departments. With their team's momentum, Afghanistan will look to build 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 EST / 10:00 AM CT / 8:00 AM GMT
- place: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Queens Athletic Club Report
The pitch at Queen's Sports Club in Bulawayo is known for its well-balanced nature, providing equal competition between batsmen and bowlers. Recent matches indicate that the average first innings score is around 307 runs, highlighting that although runs can be accumulated, they require skill and patience from hitters.
Early in the match, the surface is likely to favor bowlers, as the new ball provides seam movement. As the game progresses, the pitch tends to stabilize, becoming more conducive to hitting and creating higher scoring opportunities. Spinners are also expected to come into play later in the innings when the pitch starts to wear down.
Winning the toss at this venue often presents a tactical dilemma, as batting and bowling have their advantages first depending on the circumstances. With a mix of humidity and possible cloud cover expected during the Test, players will need to remain adaptable to the changing behavior of the pitch throughout the match.
ZIM vs AFGTest 1: Dream11 prediction picks
- Wicket Keepers: Afsar Zazai
- Speculators: Craig IrvinRahmat Shah, Hashmat Allah is my martyr
- All aspects: Sim Williams, Sikandar Raza, Azmatullah Omarzai
- shooters: Zahir Khan, Richard Nagarava, Blessing Mezarabani, Navid Zadran
ZIM vs AFGFirst test: Dream11 prediction captain and vice captain
Choice 1: Azmatullah Omarzai (C), Sikandar Raza (VC)
Choice 2: Heshmatullah Shahidi (C), Craig Irvin (VC)
ZIM vs AFGFirst test: Dream11 prediction backups
Brian Bennett, Fareed Ahmed, Siddiqullah Atal, Joylord Gumbi
Read Also: ZIM vs AFG 2024, 1st Test – Queen's Sports Stadium Report, Bulawayo Test Statistics and Records
ZIM vs AFGFirst test: Dream11 Team for Today's Match (December 26, 8:00 AM GMT)
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Zimbabwe: Craig Irvine (c), Brian Bennett, Jonathan Campbell, Takodzwa Shatera, Ben Curran, Joylord Gumbi, Trevor Gwandu, Takodzuwanashi Caetano, Tadiwanashi Marumane, Brandon Mafuta, Nyasha Maiavu, Blessing Muzarabane, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Nyoman Nyamhuri, Sikander Raza . , Sean Williams
Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Abdul Malik, Afsar Zazai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Bahir Shah, Bashir Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, A.M. Ghazanfar, Ikram Ali Khel, Ismat Alam, Naveed Zadran, Rahma Shah, Rashid Khan, Riaz Hasan, Siddiqullah Atal, Yamin Ahmadzai. Zahir Khan, Zahir Shehzad, Ziaur Rahman