Afghanistan look ready to finish this tournament on top. They beat Zimbabwe by 158 runs on 19 October. They also beat Bangladesh by seven wickets on 21 October.
Our AFG vs ZIM Match Prediction picks Afghanistan to win. Their batting has more proof in this series. Their spin attack also gives them the stronger late-innings plan.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, Final |
| Series | ODI Tri-Nation Series in UAE 2026 |
| Date | Friday, 23 October 2026 |
| Listed Start | 5:00 PM IST / 11:30 UTC / 3:30 PM UAE |
| Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah |
| Format | Men’s ODI, up to 50 overs per side |
| Toss And Playing XIs | Not yet confirmed |
The final starts at the listed time of 5:00 PM IST. That is 3:30 PM in the UAE. Check the final match update before play.
The final moves to Sharjah after the opening games. Afghanistan enter with two wins from two matches. The final team sheets will come at the toss.
Recent Form And Head-To-Head
Afghanistan have won both games in this tri-series. They beat Zimbabwe 294 to 136 in Abu Dhabi. Sediqullah Atal made 102, while Rashid Khan took four wickets.
Afghanistan then chased 161 against Bangladesh. They reached 161 for 3 in 35.3 overs at Sharjah. Rahmat Shah made 67 not out, and Rashid Khan took four wickets.
Zimbabwe began with a win over Bangladesh. They made 271 for 8 in that game. The loss to Afghanistan then exposed their batting.
The last five listed ODI meetings favour Afghanistan. They won four while one had no result. Zimbabwe need more than one good stand in this final.
That record supports Afghanistan. It does not make the final certain. Zimbabwe still have match winners in their squad.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium Venue Read
Sharjah has hosted 264 men’s ODIs in the listed ground record. Teams batting first have won 138 matches. Teams bowling first have won 124 matches.
The listed average first innings score is 223. The average second innings score is 190. These numbers give batting first a small historical edge.
Those figures cover past games on different Sharjah pitches. They do not set a target for this final. Saving wickets could help either side build a late push.
Weather And Team News
No ground-specific forecast is confirmed in this preview. There is no firm rain or dew call. Check the weather again close to the start.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board named a 15-player ODI squad. Rahmat Shah is captain. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the vice-captain and a wicketkeeper option.
Zimbabwe have a listed 15-player group for the final. Sikandar Raza leads the side. Both teams still need to name their playing XIs.
No final XI is confirmed at this cutoff. A player listed in the squad may still miss the XI. Late changes can affect this prediction.
Squad Options For Both Teams
These are verified squad options. They are not promised playing XIs.
| Afghanistan Options | Zimbabwe Options |
|---|---|
| Rahmat Shah, captain | Sikandar Raza, captain |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz, wicketkeeper | Tadiwanashe Marumani, wicketkeeper |
| Ikram Alikhil, wicketkeeper | Brendan Taylor, wicketkeeper |
| Sediqullah Atal, opening batter | Ben Curran, top-order batter |
| Ibrahim Zadran, opening batter | Craig Ervine, middle-order batter |
| Hashmatullah Shahidi, top-order batter | Brian Bennett, all-rounder |
| Azmatullah Omarzai, all-rounder | Ryan Burl, all-rounder |
| Mohammad Nabi, all-rounder | Brad Evans, all-rounder |
| Rashid Khan, bowling all-rounder | Wessly Madhevere, all-rounder |
| Nangeyalia Khan, all-rounder | Blessing Muzarabani, bowler |
| AM Ghazanfar, bowler | Wellington Masakadza, bowler |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi, bowler | Vincent Masekesa, bowler |
| Bilal Sami, bowler | Ernest Masuku, bowler |
| Yamin Ahmadzai, bowler | Newman Nyamhuri, bowler |
| Ziaur Rahman, bowler | Tafadzwa Tsiga, wicketkeeper |
Key Player Battles
Sediqullah Atal Vs Zimbabwe’s New Ball
Atal can help Afghanistan build a strong opening stand. Zimbabwe need to test him before he settles. An early wicket would bring a new batter in.
Rashid Khan Vs Sikandar Raza
Raza was Zimbabwe’s top scorer in the last meeting. Rashid can test him with spin through the middle overs. Raza needs singles as well as big shots.
Afghanistan’s Spinners Vs Zimbabwe’s Chase
Mohammad Nabi gives Afghanistan another spin option. Ryan Burl must help Zimbabwe keep the runs moving. Long quiet spells would make the chase harder.
Batters And Bowlers To Watch
Afghanistan batter watch: Rahmat Shah. He can help the innings recover from an early wicket. His role matters if Zimbabwe slow the opening pair.
Zimbabwe batter watch: Sikandar Raza. Zimbabwe need him to bat through the middle overs. A long stay would give their finishers a base.
Afghanistan bowler watch: Rashid Khan. His spin gives Afghanistan a way to break a stand. Zimbabwe must avoid letting dot balls build pressure.
Zimbabwe bowler watch: Blessing Muzarabani. His new-ball spell could test Afghanistan’s openers. This pick depends on his final selection.
AFG Vs ZIM Match Prediction Scenarios
These are editorial estimates, not known future scores. They assume a full 50-over match. Player picks depend on the final XI.
Scenario 1: If Afghanistan Win The Toss And Bat First
| Match Point | Estimate Or Pick |
|---|---|
| Powerplay, First 10 Overs | 45–60 runs |
| Total, Up To 50 Overs | 260–290 runs |
| Result | Afghanistan to win |
| Top Scorer | Sediqullah Atal, if selected |
| Top Wicket Taker | Rashid Khan, if selected |
Afghanistan have already made 294 against Zimbabwe. A steady start can set another strong total. Zimbabwe need early wickets to change this path.
Scenario 2: If Zimbabwe Win The Toss And Bat First
| Match Point | Estimate Or Pick |
|---|---|
| Powerplay, First 10 Overs | 42–56 runs |
| Total, Up To 50 Overs | 220–255 runs |
| Result | Afghanistan to win the chase |
| Top Scorer | Sikandar Raza, if selected |
| Top Wicket Taker | Rashid Khan, if selected |
Zimbabwe made 271 against Bangladesh. Afghanistan’s attack is a harder test. A good start from Raza can still lift Zimbabwe above this range.
Final Match Prediction
Afghanistan are our pick to win the final. Their two wins give them the best recent form. Their last win over Zimbabwe was also very clear.
Confidence: Medium-high. Afghanistan have the stronger evidence. The final XI and toss are still unknown. Zimbabwe’s senior batters keep some risk in this call.
For the latest toss call, visit Today Cricket Toss Prediction.
FAQs
When Is Afghanistan Vs Zimbabwe’s Final?
The final is on Friday, 23 October 2026. The listed start is 5:00 PM IST.
Where Will Afghanistan Vs Zimbabwe Be Played?
The final will be played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. It is in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Who Is Favoured To Win Afghanistan Vs Zimbabwe?
Afghanistan are our pre-toss pick. They won both tri-series games before the final.
Are The Playing XIs Confirmed?
No. The squad lists show possible choices rather than starters. The teams will name their XIs at the toss.
