![Zimbabwe to take on Afghanistan in match 2 of tri-series [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792321625573_ZImbabwetotakeonAfghanistaninmatch2oftri-series.jpg?type=hq)
Zimbabwe to take on Afghanistan in match 2 of tri-series [Source: X]
After defeating Bangladesh in the opening match of the ODI tri-nation series, Zimbabwe will be oozing with confidence as they take on Afghanistan in the second game of the tournament on Monday. A win against the Afghans and Zimbabwe will reach the final.
Zimbabwe were thorough professionals against Bangladesh, and they defeated the Tigers in a one-sided battle. The caravan now shifts towards the Afghanistan clash, and ahead of the match, here is Zimbabwe’s predicted playing XI for match 2 of the tri-series.
Openers and top order: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Brendan Taylor
Brian Bennett is one of the best Zimbabwean batters, but he failed to deliver the goods in the first ODI match. The player will be eager to get some runs under his belt against the Afghan attack.
The same can be said about his batting partner, Ben Curran. The opener was dismissed for just six, and he, too, will hope to deliver the goods and help his team reach the final.
Brendan Taylor created a new record in the ODI match against Bangladesh, and for some reason, he batted at number 4 against them. However, the team needs their best player to bat up the order, and Taylor should be placed at number 3 against Afghanistan.
Middle order and all-rounders: Tafadzwa Tsiga, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza(c), Wessly Madhevere
Tafadzwa Tsiga, the keeper-batter couldn't do much in the ODI against Bangladesh, but the management will give him one more chance as he certainly has the talent to deliver at the biggest stage.
Craig Ervine was Zimbabwe’s top run-getter in the match against Bangladesh, and the batter has been oozing with confidence as the Chevrons will once again pin their middle-order hopes on him.
Sikandar Raza failed with the bat in the last match, and the captain will hope for an improved show against Afghanistan. Moreover, his ability to play spin well will come in handy in the middle overs. Also, Raza will be crucial with the ball, as he, too, entered record books in the first ODI.
Madhevere, too, couldn’t do much in the match against Bangladesh, but he’ll be eager to score runs as the batter will play as a finisher in match two of the tri-nation tournament.
Bowlers: Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza
Brad Evans was Zimbabwe’s star with the ball against Bangladesh as he scalped 4 wickets and picked up crucial players to ensure Zimbabwe’s win in the tournament opener. He'll once again be the danger bowler for the Afghan batters in the riveting fixture.
Newman Nyamhuri was expensive in the last ODI match, but Zimbabwe are expected to stick with him for one more match as he might get a nod in the bowling lineup.
Blessing Muzarabani was brilliant for Zimbabwe against Bangladesh as he picked up a wicket and set the tone for the win. His economy rate was only 2.88, and Afghanistan will need to be wary of him in the next game.
Wellington Masakadza completes the Zimbabwean bowling attack vs Afghanistan. The slow-left-arm orthodox bowler will be dangerous, especially in the middle overs as the cracks might start to open, and he'll get some purchase from the surface.
Zimbabwe predicted playing XI vs Afghanistan- 2nd ODI, UAE Tri-Series 2026
Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza(c), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga(w), Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani, Wellington Masakadza
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