![Afghanistan predicted playing XI vs ZIM. [Source - AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793020817323_AfghanistanPredictedPlayingXI.jpg?type=hq)
Afghanistan predicted playing XI vs ZIM. [Source - AFP]
Afghanistan will face Zimbabwe in the first T20I at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 27. The match is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM IST, with Afghanistan’s predicted playing XI in focus ahead of the opening clash.
Afghanistan head into the series on the back of winning the UAE ODI Tri-Series, having beaten Zimbabwe in the final. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will look to turn their fortunes around in the T20I format and begin the series on a winning note.
Here is Afghanistan’s predicted playing XI vs Zimbabwe ahead of the 1st T20I of the three-match series.
Top Order – Ibrahim Zadran (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal
Ibrahim Zadran will lead Afghanistan and open the batting in Afghanistan's predicted playing XI vs Zimbabwe. He has been the team's best T20I batter this year, scoring 380 runs at an average of 47.50 and a strike-rate of 136.69.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz will take up wicketkeeping duties and partner Ibrahim at the top. He has scored 228 runs in T20Is for Afghanistan this year at a strike-rate of 138.18, making him an important contributor in the powerplay.
Sediqullah Atal has been in brilliant form overall but has yet to find his best touch in T20I cricket this year. Averaging just 17.70 in T20Is this year, the left-hander will be batting at 3 against Zimbabwe and keen to turn things around.
Middle Order and Allrounders – Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Rahman, Shahidullah, Rashid Khan
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai is expected to bat at No. 4 in Afghanistan’s predicted playing XI vs Zimbabwe. Having played just four T20Is since making his debut in 2024, the youngster will be eager to make an impact.
Azmatullah Omarzai will slot in at No. 5 and remain a key figure in Afghanistan’s middle-order. He has scored 207 runs at a strike-rate of 156.81 and picked up 14 wickets in T20Is in 2026, the second-most for Afghanistan.
Noor Rahman made his T20I debut against India recently and is just one match into his international career. With a strike-rate of 155.18 in T20 cricket, he could be entrusted with the finisher’s role against Zimbabwe.
Shahidullah adds batting depth at No. 7 and offers an additional option with the ball. Having played seven T20Is, he will look to contribute in both departments and strengthen Afghanistan’s lower middle order.
Rashid Khan will bat at No. 8 and lead Afghanistan’s spin attack. He has claimed 15 wickets at an average of 18.06 in T20Is this year and can also contribute valuable runs with the bat.
Bowlers – Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Mujeeb Ur Rahman will join Rashid Khan to strengthen Afghanistan’s spin attack in their predicted playing XI vs Zimbabwe. He has picked up 11 wickets in T20Is this year and will look to make an impact.
Noor Ahmad has managed just two wickets in T20Is this year at an average of 87.50. The left-arm wrist-spinner will be eager to turn things around in this three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe.
Fazalhaq Farooqi is expected to take the new ball for Afghanistan. The left-arm pacer has claimed three wickets at an average of 56.00 in T20Is this year, but has a strong record in Sharjah, with 18 wickets at an average of 21.50.
Afghanistan Playing XI vs Zimbabwe – 1st T20I, AFG vs ZIM 2026
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (c), Sediqullah Atal, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Rahman, Shahidullah, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
