![Zimbabwe predicted playing vs AFG. [Source - Zimcricketv/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794486732364_ZimbabwepredictedplayingvsAFG.jpg?type=hq)
Zimbabwe predicted playing vs AFG. [Source - Zimcricketv/X.com]
Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will square off against each other in second Test at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, November 13. The match will get underway at 11:30 AM IST.
The opening Test witnessed a run fest from both sides and ended in a draw, with Craig Ervine grabbing headlines for his historic double century.
With the series still up for grabs, both teams will be eager to produce a decisive result in Sharjah. Here's a look at Zimbabwe's predicted playing XI against Afghanistan for 2nd Test.
Openers and Top Order: Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brendan Taylor
Ben Curran is expected to retain his place as an opener in Zimbabwe's predicted playing XI against Afghanistan for the second Test. He scored 42 and 12 across the two innings in the first Test and will look to make a bigger impact this time.
Innocent Kaia is likely to partner Curran at the top of the order. He has averaged 58.33 in Tests this year, including a century, and contributed scores of 34 and 1 in the opening Test against Afghanistan.
Brendan Taylor was one of Zimbabwe's standout performers in the first Test, scoring a century in the first innings and following it up with 82 in the second. He is expected to continue at number three and carry his excellent form into the next match.
Middle Order and All-Rounders: Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Antum Naqvi, Wessly Madhevere and Tafadzwa Tsiga
Brian Bennett is expected to bat at number four for Zimbabwe. The captain scored a century and a half-century in the first Test. He is averaging 81.66 in Tests this year and will aim to maintain his form.
Craig Ervine will be the number five for Zimbabwe. He has enjoyed batting against Afghanistan, averaging 93.80 in seven innings, with two centuries and two half-centuries, including his historic double century in the first Test.
Antum Naqvi should retain his place at number six in Zimbabwe's predicted playing XI against Afghanistan. Although he had a difficult outing with the ball, he showed resilience with a gritty half-century in the second innings on Day 5.
Wessly Madhevere provides another all-round option for Zimbabwe at number seven. He scored a half-century and a century in the first Test, extending his impressive run of scoring 50-plus in all three Test innings he has played this year.
Tafadzwa Tsiga is expected to take the gloves and bat at number eight for Zimbabwe. He has averaged 15.68 across 11 Tests in his career, with his highest score of 44 coming in the previous match against Afghanistan.
Bowlers: Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani and Newman Nyamhuri
Graeme Cremer is going to lead the spin attack in Zimbabwe's predicted playing XI vs Afghanistan with his leg-spin in the second Test. He had a long bowling stint in the first match, sending down 55 overs and picking up three wickets.
Blessing Muzarabani remains Zimbabwe's key pace option against Afghanistan. He has taken 24 wickets against them in Tests at an average of 22.50. However, he managed just one wicket in the first Test and will hope for a stronger outing in 2nd Test.
Newman Nyamhuri has been Zimbabwe's leading wicket-taker in Tests this year, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 15.54. He also picked up a five-wicket haul in the first Test and will look to continue his impressive form.
Zimbabwe Predicted Playing XI vs Afghanistan For 2nd Test, 2026
Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brendan Taylor, Brian Bennett (C), Craig Ervine, Antum Naqvi, Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (WK), Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani and Newman Nyamhuri.
