Afghanistan will lock horns with Zimbabwe in the first match of the two-game Test series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, starting on Thursday, November 5.
Led by Rahmat Shah, Afghanistan is coming into this game after drawing their only Test against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi in October 2026. On the other hand, Zimbabwe is coming into this fixture after an innings and 85-run win over Bangladesh at home in June 2026.
AFG vs ZIM, Test Series 2026, Match 1, Match Details
Match: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, Test Series 2026, Match 1
Time & Date: 10:30 AM IST, November 5 to 9
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
AFG vs ZIM, Test Series 2026, Match 1 Pitch Report
The ball is expected to assist new ball bowlers in the initial phase of all four innings. However, as the innings progresses, we can expect spinners to come into the picture. Batters will have their fair share on the initial days of the game.
AFG vs ZIM, Test Series 2026, Match 1 Probable XIs
Afghanistan
Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Shahidullah Kamal, Rahmat Shah (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ismat Alam, Yamin Ahmadzai, Qais Ahmad, Zia ur Rehman Akbar, Mohammad Saleem
Zimbabwe
Innocent Kaia, Ben Curran, Brendan Taylor, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Wesley Madhevere, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava (c), Blessing Muzarabani
AFG vs ZIM, Test Series 2026, Match 1 Winner Prediction
Match Winner: Afghanistan
These two sides have played against each other four times. While Afghanistan secured two wins, Zimbabwe has secured only one win. The other contest ended in a draw. That said, Afghanistan is expected to come out on top, thanks to their home advantage.
