Afghanistan can seal the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe on Thursday, 29 October 2026, when the two sides meet in the second T20I at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Afghanistan won the first match by 37 runs on 27 October, and a second win would wrap up the series with a game to spare. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, must win to stay alive. They reached the final of the recent UAE ODI tri-series, but they have now lost three straight matches to Afghanistan across formats, and their batting has struggled badly against Afghanistan’s spin attack. This is a must-win game for Sikandar Raza’s side, and a chance for Afghanistan to confirm their dominance.
Match Overview
The first T20I followed a familiar pattern. Afghanistan’s top order wobbled early, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz the only top-four batter to reach double figures, but Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai smashed 52 off just 22 balls, Shahidullah Kamal made 46 off 42, and Rashid Khan blasted 30 off 10 balls to lift Afghanistan to 177 all out in 19.5 overs. Zimbabwe’s chase never got going: they were bowled out for 140 in 19.1 overs. Ryan Burl top-scored with 32, but no Zimbabwe batter made a match-defining contribution. Fazalhaq Farooqi took 3 for 13, Rashid Khan took two wickets, and Afghanistan’s bowlers shared the rest. Zimbabwe’s problem is clear — they need a big innings from the top order and a way to handle Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad through the middle overs.
Date, Time and Venue
Match: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 2nd T20I, Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe in UAE 2026; Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026; Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE; Start time: 8:00 PM IST (6:30 PM GST, 7:30 PM PKT); Series status: Afghanistan lead 1-0; Captains: Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan), Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe).
Squads and Probable Playing XIs
Afghanistan squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicket-keeper), Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Sediqullah Atal, Mohammad Akram, Shahidullah Kamal, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Abdullah Tarakhail, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Noor ul Rahman.
Zimbabwe squad: Sikandar Raza (captain), Tadiwanashe Marumani (wicket-keeper), Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Ernest Masuku, Wellington Masakadza, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa.
Afghanistan probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (c), Sediqullah Atal, Shahidullah Kamal, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik.
Zimbabwe probable XI: Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Innocent Kaia, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri.
Key players to watch: Rashid Khan, who was player of the match in the first T20I, Fazalhaq Farooqi with the new ball, and for Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl, who must anchor the chase this time.
Head-to-Head Record
Played 22 | Afghanistan won 20 | Zimbabwe won 2. Afghanistan’s dominance in this fixture is overwhelming, and Zimbabwe’s last win in the format against them feels a long way back. The most recent meeting, on 27 October 2026, ended in a 37-run Afghanistan win.
Also read: India’s series win over New Zealand
Also read: South Africa vs Australia Test series preview
Pitch and Weather Report
Sharjah is traditionally a batting-friendly T20 venue with relatively short boundaries, so batters who settle can score quickly. The pitch can also assist spinners as the match goes on, which plays directly into Afghanistan’s hands given the quality of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad. In night games, dew can make bowling in the second innings harder and help the ball come onto the bat. Zimbabwe’s best hope is to bat first, post a big total, and then defend it before dew sets in — chasing against this attack under lights is a tough ask.
Where to Watch and Live Streaming
In India, live streaming of the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I is available on FanCode. The match is also broadcast on Ariana Television in Afghanistan, Willow TV in the USA and Canada, and A Sports and Tamasha in Pakistan.
Also read: Sri Lanka’s win over Pakistan in the tri-series
FAQs
When is Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I? — Thursday, 29 October 2026, starting at 8:00 PM IST at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Who leads the series? — Afghanistan lead 1-0 after winning the first T20I by 37 runs on 27 October.
What happened in the first T20I? — Afghanistan made 177 and bowled Zimbabwe out for 140; Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai scored 52 off 22 balls and Rashid Khan was player of the match.
What is the head-to-head record in T20Is? — In 22 matches, Afghanistan have won 20 and Zimbabwe 2.
Where can I watch it in India? — Live streaming is available on FanCode.
Final Summary and Conclusion
Everything points to Afghanistan. They have the form, the series lead, the spin attack for Sharjah, and the confidence of three straight wins over Zimbabwe across formats. Zimbabwe’s only realistic route is a big top-order performance and early wickets to put pressure on Afghanistan’s middle order. If Afghanistan bat first and post anything above 170, expect them to seal the series tonight. Prediction: Afghanistan to win and take an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Cricbuzz match page: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 2nd T20I
Green Benn is a dedicated sports writer specializing in cricket, including IPL and international formats. Known for clear, engaging, and informative content, Green simplifies complex match analysis and player statistics for all readers. Passionate about sports storytelling, Green delivers reliable, SEO-friendly articles that keep fans updated and informed
Pingback: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 2nd T20I: Omarzai's 116 Seals 19-Run Win and Series 2-0