Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I Prediction (29 Oct): Projections & Preview
Afghanistan face Zimbabwe in the 2nd T20I at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday 29 October. First ball is at 18:30 local time on Thursday 29 October (14:30 UK time, 20:00 IST). Afghanistan won the first match by 37 runs on 27 October and will be looking to seal the series here. For full match data, head-to-head records and live projections, check the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe fixture page on Statz.
The Venue and Toss Prediction
Sharjah Cricket Stadium is a high-scoring venue in T20 cricket. Across the last 10 T20 matches here, the average match total stands at 293.3 with an average first-innings score of 164.2. Teams batting first have won 65% of matches at this ground – a clear toss advantage for the side that elects to bat.
Seam bowlers have taken 57.9% of wickets at an economy rate of 8.05, while spinners account for 35.2% of dismissals at 7.12. The pitch is tagged as Balanced by Statz. The most recent T20 at this ground saw Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by 37 runs on 27 October 2026 (AFG 177/10, ZIM 140/10).
Afghanistan win 69.9% batting first and 64% bowling first – better batting first by 5.9 points. Zimbabwe win 34% batting first and 28.1% bowling first – also better batting first by 5.9 points. The toss edge favours the side that bats first.
Form and Table
Afghanistan – 10th (Rating 218, 8925 points from 41 matches)
Afghanistan have won their last match. Their last five results, newest first:
- 27 Oct vs Zimbabwe (N): W – AFG 177/10, ZIM 140/10
- 25 Sep vs Nepal (N): L – AFG 102/7, NEP 103/5
- 24 Sep vs Japan (A): W – AFG 129/6, JPN 81/10
- 17 Sep vs India (A): L – AFG 94/10, IND 221/7
- 15 Sep vs India (A): L – AFG 159/8, IND 163/3
Zimbabwe – 12th (Rating 202, 11911 points from 59 matches)
Zimbabwe have lost their last 2. Their last five results, newest first:
- 27 Oct vs Afghanistan (N): L – ZIM 140/10, AFG 177/10
- 6 Sep vs South Africa (N): L – ZIM 157/10, RSA 205/5
- 3 Sep vs Namibia (A): W – ZIM 159/5, NAM 156/6
- 1 Sep vs South Africa (N): L – ZIM 142/10, RSA 185/7
- 31 Aug vs Namibia (A): W – ZIM 195/6, NAM 190/10
Head-to-Head
Afghanistan have dominated this fixture. In 13 T20 International meetings, Afghanistan have won 12 to Zimbabwe’s 1. The most recent clash came on 27 October 2026 at Sharjah, where Afghanistan hammered 177/10 and bowled Zimbabwe out for 140/10 to win by 37 runs.
Zimbabwe’s sole win in this series came against a different Afghanistan side; the current matchup shows Afghanistan as overwhelming favourites. Full H2H stats, projections and lineups on Statz.
Afghanistan’s leading run-scorer in this fixture is Rahmanullah Gurbaz with 443 runs from 14 matches. Rashid Khan leads Afghanistan’s wicket-takers with 29 from 11 matches. For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza has 335 runs from 14 meetings, while Blessing Muzarabani has taken 12 wickets from 4 matches.
Statz Projections and Projected Score
The Statz projections show Afghanistan as strong favourites across both scenarios.
If Afghanistan bat first: Projected first-innings total of 163.8, match total of 309. Win probability – AFG 69.9%, ZIM 28.1%, tie/no result 2%. First-innings P10-P90 range: 139 to 189.
If Zimbabwe bat first: Projected first-innings total of 153.2, match total of 299.2. Win probability – AFG 64%, ZIM 34%, tie/no result 2%. First-innings P10-P90 range: 117 to 184.
The projected match total of 304 is 10.7 runs above the Sharjah Cricket Stadium average of 293.3. If Afghanistan bat first their projected first innings of 163.8 is level with the ground’s first-innings average of 164.2; if Zimbabwe bat first their projected first innings of 153.2 is 11 runs below the ground’s first-innings average of 164.2. Match total P10-P90 range: 262 to 349.
Season Leaders
Afghanistan – T20 Internationals 2026
Runs: Ibrahim Zadran – 215 runs, 30.71 a match, HS 87 | Darwish Rasooli – 213 runs, 26.63 a match, HS 84 | Azmatullah Omarzai – 125 runs, 20.83 a match, HS 64
Wickets: Rashid Khan – 11 wickets, 1.57 a match, best 3 | Mujeeb Ur Rahman – 8 wickets, 1.14 a match, best 4 | Azmatullah Omarzai – 7 wickets, 1.17 a match, best 2
Zimbabwe – T20 Internationals 2026
Runs: Ryan Burl – 198 runs, 28.29 a match, HS 54 | Brian Bennett – 147 runs, 21 a match, HS 47 | Dion Myers – 134 runs, 22.33 a match, HS 73
Wickets: Richard Ngarava – 10 wickets, 2 a match, best 4 | Brad Evans – 9 wickets, 1.29 a match, best 2 | Blessing Muzarabani – 8 wickets, 1.33 a match, best 4
Predicted XIs
Afghanistan (based on XI vs Zimbabwe, 27 Oct 2026)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Mohammad Akram Zazai
- Shahidullah Kamal
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai
- Rashid Khan (c)
- Noor Ahmad
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Zimbabwe (based on XI vs Afghanistan, 27 Oct 2026)
- Brian Bennett
- Ben Curran
- Innocent Kaia
- Ryan Burl
- Sikandar Raza (c)
- Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk)
- Wesley Madhevere
- Brad Evans
- Newman Nyamhuri
- Ernest Masuku
- Wellington Masakadza
These lineups are based on the most recent match for each team. Always check the fixture page on Statz for toss updates and confirmed XIs on match day.
Dream11 Captain and Vice Captain Picks
Based on projected fantasy points for players in the most recent XIs:
Captain: Brad Evans (ZIM) – projected 103.8 pts. The all-rounder offers value across batting and bowling with projected 11.5 runs and 1.81 wickets, plus strong recent form with 2 wickets in his last match.
Vice Captain: Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG) – projected 101.1 pts. Afghanistan’s all-rounder with projected 21.3 runs and 1.39 wickets, combining aggressive batting with reliable bowling contributions.
Also consider:
- Rashid Khan (AFG) – projected 103.3 pts – 11 wickets this cycle, 80% hit rate for 1+ wicket in last 5 matches
- Sikandar Raza (ZIM) – projected 84.6 pts – 335 runs in H2H, 57.1% hit rate for 1+ wicket
- Ryan Burl (ZIM) – projected 99 pts – 198 season runs at 28.29 a match, 85.7% hit rate for 20+ runs
Key Players
Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
Afghanistan’s leading run-scorer this cycle with 215 runs at 30.71 a match and a high score of 87. Zadran has been the backbone of Afghanistan’s batting lineup. His 71.4% hit rate for 20+ runs and 60% hit rate for 30+ runs show a player capable of big scores. Against Zimbabwe, he will be looking to build on his recent form and extend Afghanistan’s dominance.
Ryan Burl (Zimbabwe)
Zimbabwe’s most important batter with 198 runs at 28.29 a match and a high score of 54. Burl has been Zimbabwe’s most consistent performer this cycle with an 85.7% hit rate for 20+ runs and a 42.9% hit rate for 30+ runs. He is Zimbabwe’s best hope of building a competitive total, but Afghanistan’s bowling attack will present a stern test.
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
Afghanistan’s captain and leading wicket-taker with 11 wickets at 1.57 a match this cycle. Rashid has been immense, taking at least one wicket in 85.7% of his last five matches and 2+ wickets in 60% of those games. His leg-spin will be crucial against Zimbabwe’s middle order, and he remains one of the world’s most dangerous T20 bowlers.
Richard Ngarava (Zimbabwe)
Zimbabwe’s leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets at 2 a match this cycle. Ngarava has been exceptional, taking at least one wicket in every match (100% hit rate) and 2+ wickets in 60% of his last five outings. His pace and accuracy will be Zimbabwe’s best chance to restrict Afghanistan’s aggressive batting.
Conditions
Fair skies are forecast for Sharjah with temperatures around 31 degrees and humidity at 52%. No rain is expected. Wind is moderate at 21 km/h from the north – conditions that could assist seam bowling early on but should settle as the match progresses.
Who Will Win Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe?
Afghanistan are strong favourites. The Statz projections give Afghanistan a 67% win probability, with Zimbabwe at 31.1%. Afghanistan’s dominance in the head-to-head record (12-1), their recent form, and their superior squad depth all point to a comfortable victory. The toss will matter – batting first offers a 5.9-point edge to both sides – but Afghanistan’s quality should prevail regardless.
Betting Angles
Zimbabwe offer value at indicative odds of 4.5 with a true probability of 26.6%, giving a 4.4-point edge. The model rates this as a low-confidence value play with a 3.4-star rating. Head to the Statz bet builder for real-time hit rates and odds on this fixture:
- Ryan Burl 20+ runs – 85.7% season hit rate. Zimbabwe’s most bankable batting option.
- Rashid Khan 1+ wicket – 85.7% hit rate in last 5 matches. Afghanistan’s captain is almost certain to contribute with the ball.
- Brad Evans 1+ wicket – 71.4% season hit rate. Zimbabwe’s leading all-rounder with consistent bowling returns.
- Ibrahim Zadran 20+ runs – 71.4% season hit rate. Afghanistan’s top run-scorer in strong form.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Prediction FAQ
Q: Who will win Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe?
A: Afghanistan are strong favourites with a 67% win probability. They lead the head-to-head 12-1 and have won their last match by 37 runs. Zimbabwe sit at 31.1% to win.
Q: What is the projected score?
A: The projected match total is 304 runs, 10.7 above the Sharjah average of 293.3. If Afghanistan bat first, expect around 164 runs in the first innings; if Zimbabwe bat first, around 153.
Q: Who is favourite to win the toss?
A: The toss itself is neutral, but batting first offers a 5.9-point edge to both sides. Teams batting first have won 65% of matches at Sharjah, so the side that wins the toss should elect to bat.
Q: Is Afghanistan a good bet?
A: Afghanistan at their current odds are the clear play. Their 67% win probability and 12-1 head-to-head record make them strong favourites. Zimbabwe’s 4.5 odds offer some value but Afghanistan remain the safer choice.