AFG vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction, 1st T20I, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Injury Updates, Pitch Report for Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe in UAE, 2026

AFG vs ZIM Dream11 Prediction, 1st T20I: Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Injury Updates & Pitch Report

Match Preview

Afghanistan will take on Zimbabwe in the first T20I of the three-match series during Zimbabwe’s tour of the UAE 2026 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 27.

Afghanistan head into the series with confidence after winning the ODI tri-series featuring Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. The hosts will look to carry that winning momentum into the shortest format and take an early lead in the T20I series.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will aim to put their defeat in the ODI tri-series final behind them and make a strong start in T20I cricket. The visitors have several experienced players who can challenge Afghanistan, but they will need to perform consistently against a quality bowling attack.

Ibrahim Zadran will be a key player for Afghanistan at the top of the order. He has scored 1,938 runs in 68 T20I matches and will be expected to provide stability to the batting lineup. Sikandar Raza will be central to Zimbabwe’s plans, having accumulated 3,244 runs and taken 114 wickets in 144 matches. His all-round ability makes him one of the most important players in the contest.

Afghanistan also have a formidable bowling attack led by Rashid Khan, who has taken 197 wickets in 118 T20I matches. Azmatullah Omarzai offers additional value with both bat and ball, while Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman provide further spin options.

Zimbabwe will rely on Brian Bennett’s batting contributions and Sikandar Raza’s leadership to challenge the hosts. Blessing Muzarabani could also play an important role with the ball.

With the Sharjah surface expected to favour batters early before offering assistance to spinners and slower-ball bowlers, both teams will need to adapt their strategies throughout the match. Afghanistan enter the contest as the predicted favourites, but Zimbabwe have enough experience to make it competitive.

Match Information

Match: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 1st T20I
Tournament: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe in UAE 2026
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM IST
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Series: Three-match T20I series

AFG vs ZIM Pitch Report

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is expected to offer a competitive surface for the first T20I between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. The pitch can be batting-friendly early in the innings, while the short boundaries provide opportunities for batters to score quickly.

However, the surface may slow down as the match progresses, bringing spinners and slower-ball bowlers into play. Afghanistan could benefit from these conditions because of their variety of spin options, including Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Batters who settle in early and rotate the strike effectively could have a significant advantage. Bowlers who vary their pace and use their slower deliveries well may also find opportunities to take wickets.

Pitch Type: Batting-friendly
Average First Innings Score: 170

Weather Report

The weather in Sharjah is expected to remain mostly clear, providing favourable conditions for the evening T20I. No major weather concerns have been indicated in the supplied forecast, so a full match is expected.

Probable Playing XI

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ibrahim Zadran (C), Sediqullah Atal, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Abdullah Tarakhail, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad

Bench: Noor ul Rahman, Wasim Akram, Farid Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai

Zimbabwe

Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Innocent Kaia, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Wesley Madhevere, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri

Bench: Tafadzwa Tsiga, K Matigimu, Vincent Masekesa

Injury News

There are no confirmed injury updates available in the supplied information for either team. Any late injury concerns or changes to the starting lineups should be checked after the toss.

Captain and Vice-Captain Picks

Ibrahim Zadran

Ibrahim Zadran is a strong captaincy option for the AFG vs ZIM Dream11 team. He has scored 1,938 runs in 68 T20I matches and is an important batter at the top of Afghanistan’s order. His ability to build an innings while accelerating when required makes him a valuable fantasy selection.

Sikandar Raza

Sikandar Raza is an excellent vice-captaincy choice because of his all-round contributions. He has scored 3,244 runs and taken 114 wickets in 144 T20I matches. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives him multiple opportunities to earn fantasy points.

Top Fantasy Picks

Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan has taken 197 wickets and scored 657 runs in 118 T20I matches. His variations, accuracy, and wicket-taking ability make him a major threat to Zimbabwe’s batters. The Sharjah conditions could suit his bowling style, particularly if the surface slows down during the second innings.

Brian Bennett

Brian Bennett has scored 2,187 runs in 74 matches and will be an important batting option for Zimbabwe. His ability to build partnerships and contribute consistently could help the visitors challenge Afghanistan’s bowling attack.

Budget Picks

Ben Curran

Ben Curran has played eight T20I matches and will look to make a stronger impression as he gains experience at the international level. He could offer value as a batting selection, particularly if Zimbabwe’s top order gets a good start.

Azmatullah Omarzai

Azmatullah Omarzai has scored 900 runs and claimed 57 wickets in 69 matches. His ability to contribute in both departments makes him a valuable all-rounder. He could provide fantasy points through middle-order batting and important overs with the ball.

Players to Avoid

Noor ul Rahman

Noor ul Rahman is listed among Afghanistan’s substitutes in the supplied team information. Unless he is confirmed in the starting XI, selecting him could carry unnecessary fantasy risk.

Tafadzwa Tsiga

Tafadzwa Tsiga is listed among Zimbabwe’s bench players. Fantasy managers should avoid selecting him unless his inclusion in the final playing XI is confirmed.

Dream11 Prediction Team (Small League)

Wicketkeepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Batters: Ibrahim Zadran (C), Sediqullah Atal, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia

All-rounders: Abdullah Tarakhail, Azmatullah Omarzai (VC), Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza

Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad

Dream11 Prediction Team (Mega League)

Wicketkeepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Batters: Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia

All-rounders: Azmatullah Omarzai, Sikandar Raza (C), Wesley Madhevere

Bowlers: Rashid Khan (VC), Noor Ahmad, Blessing Muzarabani

Match Prediction

Afghanistan enter the first T20I with confidence after winning the ODI tri-series involving Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. Their squad features a strong combination of experienced batters, versatile all-rounders, and quality spin bowlers.

Ibrahim Zadran will be important at the top of the order, while Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett will carry much of Zimbabwe’s batting responsibility. However, Afghanistan’s bowling depth, led by Rashid Khan and supported by Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, could give the hosts an advantage on a surface expected to assist spinners as the match progresses.

Zimbabwe have enough quality to challenge Afghanistan, but the hosts appear better placed to begin the T20I series with a victory.

Prediction: Afghanistanare likely to win the 1st T20I against Zimbabwe.

FAQs

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

Ibrahim Zadran and Sikandar Raza are strong captaincy options. Zadran provides batting stability, while Raza can contribute with both bat and ball.

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

Ben Curran and Azmatullah Omarzai are valuable fantasy options. Curran offers batting potential, while Omarzai can earn points through both batting and bowling.

3. What is the pitch report for Sharjah Cricket Stadium?

The pitch is expected to favour batters early in the match, with short boundaries encouraging aggressive stroke play. The surface may slow down later, bringing spinners and slower-ball bowlers into play.

4. Who is likely to win the AFG vs ZIM 1st T20I?

Afghanistan are the predicted favourites because of their strong bowling attack, experienced batters, and recent success in the ODI tri-series.

5. What is the expected first-innings score at Sharjah Cricket Stadium?

The expected average first-innings score is around 170. The actual total will depend on batting conditions, wickets in hand, and how effectively the bowlers control the scoring rate.