Afghanistan and Zimbabwe meet in the third and final T20I of their series in the UAE on Sunday, 1 November 2026, with the hosts already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead. Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, will be playing to avoid a whitewash, while Ibrahim Zadran’s Afghanistan will want to finish a dominant series with a clean sweep at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Match Overview
- Match: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 3rd T20I
- Series: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe in UAE 2026
- Date: Sunday, 1 November 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM IST
- Toss: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
- Captains: Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan), Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe)
- Series score: Afghanistan lead 2-0
Afghanistan have controlled this T20I series from the start. They won the opening match on 27 October by 37 runs, posting 177 before bowling Zimbabwe out for 140, and then sealed the series in the second T20I on 29 October with a 19-run win after piling up 221 for 7. Zimbabwe fought hard in that second game, reaching 202 for 5, but the target proved just out of reach.
The third T20I is therefore about pride for Zimbabwe and perfection for Afghanistan. A win for the visitors would give them a consolation result to take from the tour, while a third straight victory would underline Afghanistan’s growing authority in the shortest format, built on explosive batting and a world-class spin attack.
Date, Time and Venue
The Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 3rd T20I will be played on Sunday, 1 November 2026, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, UAE. The match starts at 8:00 PM IST, with the toss at 7:30 PM IST, which is 6:30 PM local time.
Squads and Probable Playing XIs
Afghanistan are led by captain Ibrahim Zadran, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz keeping wicket at the top of the order and Rashid Khan leading a spin attack that also features Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Zimbabwe are captained by Sikandar Raza, whose all-round form, including an unbeaten 106 in the second T20I, has been the visitors’ brightest spark.
Probable Afghanistan XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran (c), Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik.
Probable Zimbabwe XI: Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Innocent Kaia, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Kundai Matigimu, Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani, Vincent Masekesa.
Head-to-Head
Afghanistan have won both matches played in this T20I series so far, by 37 runs in the first game and by 19 runs in the second, and they also beat Zimbabwe in the recent Tri-Series Final, so the visitors arrive in Sharjah still searching for their first win of the tour. Zimbabwe’s best moments have come through Sikandar Raza’s batting, but they will need a complete team performance to break Afghanistan’s run.
Pitch and Weather Report
Sharjah has been batter-friendly in this series, with Afghanistan posting 177 in the first T20I and 221 in the second, so a first-innings total in the 190-210 range looks competitive. The spinners, led by Rashid Khan with Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, are expected to be key through the middle overs, when the surface can slow down and grip. Conditions are expected to be partly cloudy, with no major rain threat indicated, so a full match is on the cards.
Where to Watch
Fans in India can watch the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 3rd T20I live on the FanCode app and website. Live scores and ball-by-ball updates will also be available on major score platforms.
Also read:
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, Tri-Series Final 2026: Date, Time, Venue, Squads & Where to Watch
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 2nd ODI 2026: Date, Time, Venue, Squads & Where to Watch
FAQs
When and where is the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 3rd T20I?
The match is on Sunday, 1 November 2026, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, UAE. It starts at 8:00 PM IST, with the toss at 7:30 PM IST.
What is the series score going into the 3rd T20I?
Afghanistan lead the three-match series 2-0, after winning the first T20I by 37 runs and the second by 19 runs.
Who are the key players to watch in the 3rd T20I?
Azmatullah Omarzai, who smashed 116 off 50 balls in the second T20I, and Rashid Khan, who reached 200 T20I wickets during the series, are Afghanistan’s key men, while Sikandar Raza, who made 106 not out in the second match, is Zimbabwe’s biggest threat.
What do the pitch and weather look like for the 3rd T20I?
Sharjah has favoured the batters in this series, with 190-210 a competitive first-innings score, and spinners are expected to play a big role in the middle overs. Conditions are expected to be partly cloudy, with no major rain threat indicated.
How can fans watch the 3rd T20I in India?
The match will be shown live on the FanCode app and website in India, with live scores available on major score platforms.
Conclusion
The third T20I gives Zimbabwe one last chance to salvage something from the series, but Afghanistan, unbeaten so far and full of match-winners from Omarzai to Rashid Khan, start as clear favourites. If Raza can inspire another big individual performance and Zimbabwe’s bowlers can contain Afghanistan’s powerful batting line-up, the visitors can push the hosts close; otherwise, a 3-0 sweep looks likely in Sharjah.
Source: CricTracker Dream11 prediction: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 3rd 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
