Afghanistan will take on Zimbabwe in the second T20I on 29 October 2026 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah. Afghanistan secured a convincing 37-run victory in the opening match and will aim to continue their winning momentum, while Zimbabwe will look to bounce back and level the series. In the first T20I, Afghanistan posted 177 runs, with Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai smashing 52 off just 22 balls and Rashid Khan contributing a quickfire 30 off 10 deliveries. During the chase, Zimbabwe struggled to build partnerships and were bowled out for 140. Fazalhaq Farooqi led Afghanistan's bowling attack with three wickets, while Rashid Khan picked up two scalps. For Zimbabwe, Newman Nyamhuri impressed with four wickets for 31 runs. Afghanistan will rely on their explosive batting and experienced bowling attack, whereas Zimbabwe need a stronger start and improved middle-order contributions to challenge their opponents in the second encounter.
Pitch Report:
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium generally offers a batting-friendly surface, with short boundaries helping batters score quickly. Spinners may find assistance as the match progresses, while dew could make bowling difficult in the second innings and favour the chasing team.
Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
Total matches played: 22
Afghanistan won: 20
Zimbabwe won: 02
Afghanistan have dominated the head-to-head record, winning 20 of their 22 T20I encounters against Zimbabwe. They will look to extend their advantage, while Zimbabwe will aim to improve their record with a stronger performance.
Afghanistan Probable Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (c), Sediqullah Atal, Mohammad Akram, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad.
Zimbabwe Probable Playing XI: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Sikandar Raza (c), Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza, Ernest Masuku.