Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are set for a one-off Test at Harare Sports Club from October 20Which marks the resumption of Afghanistan’s red-ball campaign after a long break and the return of Zimbabwe to its capital venue. Both teams, who are familiar foes in this format, have a lot to prove with new faces, evolving teams and opposing forces ready to test.
Zimbabwe wants to end drought on its home turf
Zimbabwe’s last Test win in Harare came in 2013, and they will be desperate to end that barren run. under craig ervinIn terms of captaincy, the host team is relying heavily on experienced players. Brendan Taylor, Sikandar RazaAnd Wellington Masakadza Bringing strength in departments. inclusion of Antum NaqviHe averages around 70 in first-class cricket, which adds a spark of optimism to the batting lineup. characteristic of their fast attack blessings to muzarabani And Richard NgarawaA firm surface that provides pace and bounce is expected to be used before the spinners come in as the game progresses. However, consistency remains the biggest challenge for Zimbabwe after losing four of their last six Test matches by an innings margin.
Afghanistan eyes another victory
Afghanistan go into this Test aiming to re-establish themselves as the dominant emerging team in red-ball cricket. led by Hashmatullah ShahidiThe visitors boast a balanced side despite the team’s absence Rashid Khan And Rehmat Shah, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah GurbazAnd bahir shah Build a disciplined top order that is capable of building long partnerships, while the spin duo Zia-ur-Rahman Akbar And Sharafuddin Ashraf Keep holding the key in subsequent steps. Their last tour of Zimbabwe ended with a 1-0 series win thanks to better batting discipline and sharp spin and the team will be looking to repeat that success.
ZIM vs AFG, one-off test: match details
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- date and time: October 20-24, 2025: 01:30 PM IST / 08:00 AM GMT/ 10:00 AM Local
- venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
ZIM vs AFG, head-to-head record in Tests:
Matches played: 4 | Afghanistan won: 2 | Zimbabwe won: 1 | Drag: 1
Harare Sports Club pitch report
The Harare surface is expected to play the right game initially, allowing the fast bowlers to find pace and bounce during the early sessions before gradually slowing down. The spinners should get more support from day three onwards, making timing and application at the crease crucial. Batting last can be risky due to uneven bounce and grip for Turner, placing great emphasis on winning the toss and scoring a strong first innings score.
Also read: Reactions of Afghanistan players are coming after ACB canceled participation in Pakistan tri-series
Squad:
afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran, Abdul Malik, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Rehmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Bahir Shah, Shahidullah Kamal, Ismat Alam, Zia-ur-Rehman Akbar, Yamin Ahmedzai, Ziaur Rehman Sharifi, Khalil Gurbaz, Afsar Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Ikram Alikhil, Bashir Ahmed
zimbabwe:Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Nick Welch, craig ervin (c), Brendan Taylor (wk), Tafadzwa Tsiga, Sikandar Raza, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chiwanga, Richard Ngarwa, Roy Kaiya, Tanunurwa Makoni, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maphosa, Antum Naqvi.
ZIM vs AFG, one-sided test:
If Afghanistan get a chance to bat first, they will look to take full advantage of the flat starting conditions in Harare and post a solid score above 400 runs. Their top order, which includes Ibrahim and Shahidi, has been able to spend long periods at the crease against Zimbabwe’s pace attack, which faltered after the first session. Once the pitch starts to dry out by the third day, Afghanistan’s spin duo of Akbar and Ashraf could take advantage of the increasing rough patches, forcing Zimbabwe’s middle order into mistakes and pushing the visitors towards a potential innings victory to extend their recent dominance over the hosts.
On the other hand, if Zimbabwe wins the toss and decide to bat first, Craig Erwin’s team will rely heavily on Taylor, Raza and Naqvi to build an opening partnership and set a target of close to 350 in the first innings. Afghanistan’s disciplined new ball pair yameen ahmedzai And Sharifi will look to attack and curb Zimbabwe’s scoring rate within the first hour. If Afghanistan’s batsmen apply themselves on the same surface, a reply closer to 450‑plus could set the stage for another commanding situation.
Zimbabwe’s inexperienced lower order may find it difficult to contain Afghanistan’s spinners while chasing the target in the fourth innings on a pitch notorious for variable bounce. Given the visitors’ superior balance and form, Afghanistan remain clear favorites to win this one-off Test in Harare and seal the 2025 tour with a memorable red-ball victory.
Also read: Afghanistan announces Test and T20 squads for Zimbabwe tour