![Zimbabwe cricket team [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793436442497_Zimbabweteam.jpg?type=hq)
Zimbabwe cricket team [Source: AFP]
Zimbabwe will look to turn things around when they face Afghanistan in the third T20I of the series. The Chevrons have lost the three-match series 2-0, even though their captain, Sikandar Raza, has carried much of the responsibility.
In the previous encounter, Zimbabwe posted 202/5 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks largely to a spectacular unbeaten century from Sikandar Raza. While a few batters made useful contributions, the team will want more consistency from its top and middle order.
With the series moving towards its conclusion, the team management could make a few changes to its combination. In this article, we will take a look at the predicted Zimbabwe Playing XI vs Afghanistan for the 3rd T20I.
Top Order: Brian Bennett, Innocent Kaia, Sikandar Raza (C)
Brian Bennett and Innocent Kaia should continue opening the innings for Zimbabwe. The two batters have shown promising signs in the series, with Innocent Kaia scoring 49 runs across two matches at an average of 24.50.
He was also among the contributors in the previous game, scoring 25 off just 13 deliveries. His ability to attack the bowlers early makes him an important part of Zimbabwe's top order.
Bennett, on the other hand, has accumulated 35 runs in two outings. Although his returns have not been particularly impressive, he has the ability to give Zimbabwe a brisk start.
Sikandar Raza is undoubtedly the most important name in the Zimbabwe Playing XI vs Afghanistan for the 3rd T20I. The captain has scored 123 runs in two matches at an extraordinary average of 123.00.
His unbeaten 106 off 56 deliveries in the previous game was the highlight of Zimbabwe's batting performance. Raza also has two wickets in the series, making him a valuable all-round option.
Middle Order & All-Rounders: Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga
Ryan Burl should take the No. 4 position. He has scored 34 runs in two matches, including a 32-run contribution, and has also been useful in the field. Although he managed only two runs in the previous outing, Zimbabwe will expect the experienced batter to provide stability after the early wickets.
Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wessly Madhevere will follow Raza in the middle order. However, both batters have struggled to make substantial contributions.
Marumani has managed just nine runs in two innings, while Madhevere, an all-rounder, has scored 21 runs at an average of 10.50. The two will have to find their rhythm if Zimbabwe want to put pressure on Afghanistan.
Tafadzwa Tsiga should retain his place after an impressive unbeaten 31 off 23 deliveries in the previous match. His late contribution helped Zimbabwe cross the 200-run mark, and he has shown that he can accelerate when required.
Bowlers: Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Kundai Matigimu, Ernest Masuku
Brad Evans should retain his place in the Zimbabwe Playing XI vs Afghanistan for the 3rd T20I. Although he has scored only four runs in two matches, his bowling returns have been more encouraging, with four wickets at an average of 18.50.
Wellington Masakadza could return to the starting XI after featuring in just one of the previous two matches. He has already picked up a wicket and can offer Zimbabwe an additional spin option against Afghanistan's batting lineup.
Kundai Matigimu bagged two wickets from the one match he played while bowling his full quota of four overs. He also managed to bag a maiden over, being the only bowler in the series to do so. Hence, his contribution at an average of 24.00 and an economy rate of 12.00 would be necessary for Zimbabwe in the third T20I.
Ernest Masuku completes the bowling attack. The pacer has taken three wickets in two matches, although his bowling average of 27.66 suggests that he will need to improve his consistency.
Zimbabwe Predicted Playing XI vs Afghanistan – 3rd T20I, 2026
Brian Bennett, Innocent Kaia, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Kundai Matigimu, Ernest Masuku
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