![Afghanistan Predicted XI vs Zimbabwe Predicted XI [Source: ACBofficial/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794478918348_AFGTest.jpg?type=hq)
Afghanistan Predicted XI vs Zimbabwe Predicted XI [Source: ACBofficial/X]
Afghanistan will lock horns with Zimbabwe in the Test series decider at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, starting November 13 at 11:30 AM (IST). The series opener at the same venue ended in a draw, following a spirited batting effort by the Asians.
Batting first, Zimbabwe racked up 504 in the first innings of the match but the Afghan batters responded well, with three centuries leading them to a 10-run first innings lead. Zimbabwe once again surpassed the 500-run mark and the Test was drawn. As Afghanistan eyes to claim the series after two white-ball titles, here's a look at their potential playing XI.
Top Order: Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Rahmanullah
Afghanistan have an exciting top-order with the immensely talented Sediqullah Atal opening with Abdul Malik. In his 4-match career, Atal has already scored two centuries and averages 49.16 in Test cricket.
While Abdul Malik is looking to make a mark at the international stage, he has over 4000 runs in FC cricket, averaging close to 44 with 14 hundreds. In the last match, Rahmanullah combined with Atal for a 200-run stand, creating records and sealing his spot for the foreseeable future.
Middle Order and Allrounders: Rahmat Shah (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Shahidullah, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Qais Ahmad, Zia-ur-Rehman
Afghanistan's leading run-scorer in Tests, captain Rahmat Shah, scored his fifth century in the last match, taking his average to 54.88 in 14 matches. He will bat at 4, followed by their second-highest scorer Hashmatullah Shahidi. Shahidi can also chip in with some overs and is also closing in on 1000 runs in the format.
The 27-year-old Shahidullah is likely to retain his place due to not many available replacements and will bat at 6. He hasn't bowled much in his 5 Tests, but can bowl left-arm orthodox if needed. Wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil batted well for his 40 off 83 with 5 fours in the first match and will complete the middle-order.
Afghanistan have a few all-rounders in the roster, and leg-spinner Qais Ahmad will slot in at 8, having picked 8 wickets in 4 Tests and averaged 20.16 with the bat in his short career. He could face competition from Khalil Gurbaz but is likely to retain his spot. Southpaw Zia-ur-Rehman has 17 wickets in 6 Tests and scored 15(99) in the last Test, extending his stay in the XI.
Bowlers: Mohammad Saleem, Ziaur Rahman
Mohammad Saleem, with 74 First Class scalps in 21 matches will be one of the two lead pacers. While there wasn't much for the bowlers in the last game, Saleem was the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets across two innings.
Ziaur Rahman recently completed 100 First Class wickets and averages 26.45 with the red cherry. Having made his debut in India, Rahman has shown a lot of promise with the new ball and will be the spearhead of the bowling attack again.
Afghanistan playing XI vs Zimbabwe- 2nd Test, 2026
Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Rahmanullah, Rahmat Shah (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Shahidullah, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Qais Ahmad, Zia-ur-Rehman, Mohammad Saleem, Ziaur Rahman.
