UAE ODI Tri-Series, AFG vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction, Final: Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Injury Updates, Pitch Report for Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 2026

AFG vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction, Final: Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Injury Updates & Pitch Report

Match Preview

Afghanistan will take on Zimbabwe in the final of the UAE ODI Tri-Nation Series 2026 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday, October 23.

Afghanistan have been the standout team in the tournament, remaining unbeaten throughout their campaign. They defeated Zimbabwe by 158 runs and Bangladesh by seven wickets, demonstrating their strength in both batting and bowling. The team will now aim to maintain its winning momentum and lift the trophy.

Afghanistan have several match-winners in their lineup, including Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi, and Rashid Khan. Ibrahim Zadran has scored 124 runs in the series, while Rashid Khan has claimed eight wickets. Their performances could be crucial in the title clash.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, secured their place in the final with a convincing 99-run victory over Bangladesh. The Chevrons will be eager to carry that momentum into the final and challenge Afghanistan for the championship.

Sikandar Raza has contributed 52 runs and taken three wickets, demonstrating his value as an all-rounder. Brendan Taylor has also provided experience and stability with 82 runs, while Brad Evans has impressed with seven wickets in the tournament.

The Sheikh Zayed Stadium is expected to offer balanced conditions, with spinners and slower bowlers potentially becoming more effective as the match progresses. Afghanistan will enter the contest as favourites because of their unbeaten run, but Zimbabwe have enough experience and talent to make the final competitive.

Match Information

Match: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, Final
Tournament: UAE ODI Tri-Nation Series 2026
Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM IST
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Match Type: ODI Final

AFG vs ZIM Pitch Report

The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi is expected to offer a balanced surface for the final. Batters may find it easier to score during the early stages, but the pitch could slow down as the match progresses.

Spinners and slower bowlers may play a significant role during the middle overs, particularly when batters attempt to accelerate. Pacers who maintain disciplined lines and lengths could also find assistance and create wicket-taking opportunities.

An average first-innings score of around 245 is expected. Teams will need to build partnerships and preserve wickets before accelerating during the later stages of the innings.

Fantasy players should consider selecting top-order batters who can build substantial innings, alongside all-rounders and bowlers capable of taking wickets in the middle overs.

Pitch Type: Balanced
Average First Innings Score: 245

Weather Report

The weather in Abu Dhabi is expected to remain mostly clear, according to the supplied forecast. Conditions appear favourable for a full match, with no significant weather interruptions indicated.

Probable Playing XI

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah (C), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Allah Mohammad, Yamin Ahmadzai, Bilal Sami

Bench: Ikram Ali Khil, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Nangeyalia Kharote

Zimbabwe

Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza (C), Wessly Madhevere, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Tafadzwa Tsiga (WK), Brendan Taylor, Wellington Masakadza, Ernest Masuku, Blessing Muzarabani

Bench: Tadiwanashe Marumani, Craig Ervine, Newman Nyamhuri, Vincent Masekesa

Injury News

There are no confirmed injury updates available in the supplied information. Both teams are expected to select from their available squads, but fantasy players should check the final playing XIs after the toss.

Captain and Vice-Captain Picks

Ibrahim Zadran

Ibrahim Zadran is a strong captaincy option for the AFG vs ZIM Dream11 team. The Afghanistan batter has scored 124 runs in the series and has demonstrated his ability to build an innings at the top of the order. In a final where partnerships could be important, his consistency makes him a valuable fantasy selection.

Sikandar Raza

Sikandar Raza is an excellent vice-captaincy option because of his all-round abilities. He has scored 52 runs and taken three wickets in the tournament. His contributions in both departments give him multiple opportunities to collect fantasy points, making him a useful choice for the final.

Top Fantasy Picks

Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan has been exceptional with the ball, claiming eight wickets in the tournament. His variations, control, and ability to take crucial wickets during the middle overs make him one of Afghanistan’s most important players. He could be particularly effective if the pitch begins to slow down.

Brendan Taylor

Brendan Taylor has scored 82 runs for Zimbabwe and brings valuable experience to the batting lineup. His ability to handle pressure and build partnerships could be important in a high-stakes final. He is a useful wicketkeeper-batter option for fantasy teams, subject to confirmation in the playing XI.

Budget Picks

Rahmat Shah

Rahmat Shah has scored 74 runs in the series and offers a dependable batting option. His ability to rotate the strike, build partnerships, and anchor the innings could be important if Afghanistan lose early wickets. His listed fantasy credit of six makes him an attractive budget selection.

Brad Evans

Brad Evans has taken seven wickets for Zimbabwe and has impressed with his disciplined bowling. His ability to generate movement and deliver important breakthroughs makes him a valuable fantasy pick. He could provide a strong return if he takes wickets during the middle or later stages of the innings.

Players to Avoid

Vincent Masekesa

Vincent Masekesa is listed among Zimbabwe’s bench players in the supplied squad information. Unless he is confirmed in the starting XI, selecting him could carry unnecessary fantasy risk.

Ikram Ali Khil

Ikram Ali Khil is listed among Afghanistan’s substitutes. With other wicketkeeping options available in the supplied probable XI, it is safer to avoid him unless his selection is confirmed.

Dream11 Prediction Team (Small League)

Wicketkeeper: Brendan Taylor

Batters: Ben Curran, Rahmat Shah, Sediqullah Atal (VC)

All-rounders: Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza (C), Mohammad Nabi

Bowlers: Blessing Muzarabani, Ernest Masuku, Bilal Sami, Rashid Khan

This Small League combination includes experienced batters, three all-round options, and wicket-taking bowlers from both teams. Sikandar Raza offers dual-category potential, while Rashid Khan provides a strong wicket-taking option.

Dream11 Prediction Team (Mega League)

Wicketkeeper: Tafadzwa Tsiga

Batters: Ben Curran, Ibrahim Zadran (C), Hashmatullah Shahidi (VC)

All-rounders: Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Azmatullah Omarzai

Bowlers: Blessing Muzarabani, Yamin Ahmadzai, Allah Mohammad, Rashid Khan

The Mega League team focuses on a different captaincy combination to create a more varied fantasy approach. Ibrahim Zadran could provide a substantial return if he builds a long innings, while Hashmatullah Shahidi offers another batting option. Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan provide additional opportunities for points through their bowling contributions.

Note: These are suggested fantasy combinations based on the supplied player information. Confirm all selections, wicketkeeper eligibility, and player credits on your fantasy platform before the toss. Tafadzwa Tsiga and any other player should be selected only if confirmed in the final XI.

Match Prediction

Afghanistan enter the final as favourites after remaining unbeaten throughout the UAE ODI Tri-Nation Series 2026. Their convincing victories over Zimbabwe and Bangladesh highlight the team’s strength and consistency.

Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah will be important to Afghanistan’s batting plans, while Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi could play decisive roles with the ball. Azmatullah Omarzai also provides valuable all-round depth.

Zimbabwe have shown that they can compete, particularly after their 99-run victory over Bangladesh. Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, and Brad Evans will be central to their hopes of challenging Afghanistan in the final.

However, Afghanistan’s unbeaten record, balanced squad, and strong performances throughout the tournament give them the advantage heading into the title clash.

Prediction: Afghanistan are likely to defeat Zimbabwe and win the UAE ODI Tri-Nation Series 2026 final.

FAQs

1. Who are the best captain picks for AFG vs ZIM Dream11?

Ibrahim Zadran and Sikandar Raza are strong captaincy choices. Ibrahim offers consistent batting potential, while Raza can contribute with both bat and ball.

2. Who are the best budget picks for AFG vs ZIM Dream11?

Rahmat Shah and Brad Evans are useful fantasy options. Rahmat can anchor Afghanistan’s innings, while Evans has taken seven wickets in the tournament.

3. What is the pitch report for the AFG vs ZIM final?

The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch in Abu Dhabi is expected to offer balanced conditions. Batters may enjoy the early stages, while spinners and slower bowlers could become more effective as the match progresses.

4. Who is likely to win the AFG vs ZIM final?

Afghanistan are favourites after remaining unbeaten in the tournament and recording convincing victories over Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.

5. What is the expected first-innings score in Abu Dhabi?

The expected average first-innings score is around 245. Teams will need to build partnerships and adapt to the pitch as it potentially slows down during the match.