Afghanistan open their campaign in the ODI Tri-Nation Series in UAE 2026 on Monday evening, taking on a confident Zimbabwe side at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Zimbabwe arrive with momentum after thumping Bangladesh by 99 runs in the tournament opener on Saturday, while Afghanistan — led by Rahmat Shah — will be eager to start strongly in a competition where every game shapes the road to the October 23 final
With each team playing the other two once before the final, an early win carries real weight. Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack against Zimbabwe’s experienced batting core makes this a fascinating contest under the Abu Dhabi lights.
Match Details: Date, Time and Venue
- Match: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 2nd ODI — ODI Tri-Nation Series in UAE 2026
- Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
- Time: 5:00 PM IST (3:30 PM UAE local time; 11:30 AM GMT) — toss at 4:30 PM IST
- Venue: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- Series: UAE Tri-Nation Series 2026 (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe); each team plays the others once, final on October 23
Squads and Probable Playing XIs
Afghanistan squad: Rahmat Shah (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (vc & wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Yamin Ahmadzai; travelling reserve: Qais Ahmad.
Zimbabwe squad: Sikandar Raza (c), Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor (wk), Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Ernest Masuku, Newman Nyamhuri, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Wessly Madhevere.
Afghanistan probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Nangeyalia Kharote.
Zimbabwe probable XI: Brendan Taylor (wk), Tafadzwa Tsiga, Craig Ervine, Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Sikandar Raza (c), Brad Evans, Wessly Madhevere, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza.
Zimbabwe will take enormous confidence from their first win: Brad Evans destroyed Bangladesh with 4 for 45 as they were bowled out for 172. Brendan Taylor and Sikandar Raza remain the heartbeat of this batting line-up. For Afghanistan, the return of Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Zadran to the ODI setup is a major boost — and the young spinner AM Ghazanfar is being tipped as a breakout performer.
Head-to-Head Record
Afghanistan have generally had the better of Zimbabwe in recent ODI cricket, and on paper their spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and AM Ghazanfar gives them a clear edge in UAE conditions. But Zimbabwe’s commanding 99-run win in the series opener shows they are not here to make up the numbers — they have the seam attack, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, to trouble any batting order.
Pitch and Weather Report
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium surface is expected to be balanced early on before slowing down in the second innings, offering grip for the spinners as the match progresses — good news for Afghanistan’s three-pronged spin attack. The outfield is quick, and the first-innings team scores in this tournament suggest batting first and posting 240+ is a winning template. Expect clear, humid conditions around 28°C with no threat of rain.
Where to Watch: Live Streaming and TV
- India: FanCode (live streaming)
- Afghanistan: Ariana Television (ATN) and ATN digital platforms
- Bangladesh: T Sports / Nagorik TV (TV); T Sports app and Tapmad (streaming)
- Global / North America: Willow TV and the official ICC app
- Viewers elsewhere should check local listings for the tri-series broadcast.
FAQs
When is the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI?
Monday, October 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM IST (11:30 AM GMT) at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The toss is at 4:30 PM IST.
Which teams are playing in the UAE tri-nation series 2026?
Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Each team plays the others once, and the top two meet in the final on October 23.
Who won the first match of the series?
Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by 99 runs in the opener — Bangladesh were bowled out for 172, with Brad Evans taking 4 for 45.
Who are the captains?
Rahmat Shah captains Afghanistan; Sikandar Raza leads Zimbabwe.
Where can I watch Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe live?
In India on FanCode; in Afghanistan on ATN; in Bangladesh on T Sports/Nagorik TV and Tapmad; globally on Willow TV and the ICC app.
Conclusion
Afghanistan start as favourites — home-away-from-home conditions, Rashid Khan back, and a spin attack tailor-made for a slowing Abu Dhabi surface. But Zimbabwe’s opening win was no fluke, and Sikandar Raza’s team will fancy their chances if their seamers strike early. With only one group game each before the final shake-up, both sides know there is no room for a slow start.
For official fixtures, results and tournament updates, visit the ICC website.
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