Match: Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, Only Test
Date: October 20-24, 2025
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
Time: 10:00 AM local (1:00 PM PKT)
Series: Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2025/26
Toss: Yet to be held
The Big Picture: Zimbabwe Return to Harare
Zimbabwe welcome Afghanistan for their 10th Test match of 2025 at Harare Sports Club, which is hosting its first Test since 2021. The hosts have played their last nine home Tests in Bulawayo, losing all of them.
Afghanistan haven’t played a Test since January 2025, when these two teams last met. Zimbabwe have featured in eight Tests since then, winning only once – in Sylhet – and losing four of their last six by an innings.
Zimbabwe last won a Test in Harare in 2013, with 39-year-old Brendan Taylor being the only current squad member who played in that match. The home team will be desperate to end their 12-year wait for a Test victory at their primary home ground.
Expected Playing XIs
Zimbabwe Likely XI (Source: ESPNcricinfo squad announcement)
Zimbabwe announced a 16-member squad including Belgium-born all-rounder Antum Naqvi, who recently became eligible to represent Zimbabwe and averages over 60 in first-class cricket.
Likely lineup:
- Tanunurwa Makoni
- Nick Welch
- Ben Curran
- Craig Ervine (captain)
- Sikandar Raza
- Brian Bennett
- Tafadzwa Tsiga (wicketkeeper)
- Wellington Masakadza
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Richard Ngarava
- Tinotenda Maposa
Note: Final XI will be confirmed at the toss
Afghanistan Likely XI (Source: ACB squad announcement)
Afghanistan named their 15-member Test squad with Hashmatullah Shahidi as captain, as Rashid Khan has been rested to prioritize his recovery for upcoming international events. The squad includes left-arm spinner Sharafuddin Ashraf, leg-spinner Khalil Gurbaz, and fast bowler Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, who impressed in domestic cricket.
Likely lineup:
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Abdul Malik
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain)
- Bahir Shah
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Ismat Alam
- Ikram Alikhil (wicketkeeper)
- Sharafuddin Ashraf
- Zia-ur-Rehman
- Yamin Ahmadzai
- Bashir Ahmad
Note: Final XI will be confirmed at the toss
Players to Watch
| Category | Player | Team | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batter | Craig Ervine | Zimbabwe | Captain averaging 42+ in Tests, crucial for home success |
| Batter | Hashmatullah Shahidi | Afghanistan | Captain needing 243 runs to reach 1,000 Test runs milestone |
| Batter | Sikandar Raza | Zimbabwe | Experienced all-rounder who can stabilize the innings |
| Batter | Ibrahim Zadran | Afghanistan | Consistent opener who provides solid starts |
| Bowler | Blessing Muzarabani | Zimbabwe | Needs 7 wickets to become Zimbabwe’s 4th highest wicket-taker |
| Bowler | Zia-ur-Rehman | Afghanistan | Left-arm spinner with 215 first-class wickets at 20.47 average |
| Bowler | Wellington Masakadza | Zimbabwe | Key spinner on Harare’s turning track |
| Bowler | Sharafuddin Ashraf | Afghanistan | Left-arm spinner who impressed in domestic cricket |
Pitch Report & Conditions
Harare Sports Club recently hosted the Africa Region’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers, but the venue handles high traffic well. Expect a pitch slightly quicker than Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, with early movement for seamers but generally good batting conditions.
Key Points:
- Good batting surface with pace and bounce
- Early help for fast bowlers in first session
- Spinners will come into play from Day 2 onwards
- Average first innings score: 320-350
Weather Forecast
Day temperatures have been warm in Zimbabwe for early summer, and though there is some rain forecasted, it should be pleasant throughout the week. Light showers possible on Days 2 and 3, but no major interruptions expected.
Head-to-Head Record
Zimbabwe and Afghanistan have played four Tests against each other between 2021 and 2025. Afghanistan leads with 2 wins to Zimbabwe’s 1, with 1 draw. In their most recent series in December-January 2024-25, Afghanistan won 1-0.
What to Expect
This Test promises to be a fascinating contest between two developing cricket nations. Without Rashid Khan, Afghanistan will rely heavily on left-arm spinner Zia-ur-Rehman, who claimed five wickets in their last series and has 215 first-class wickets at an impressive 20.47 average.
Zimbabwe will look to capitalize on home advantage and favorable batting conditions. Their success depends on whether their top order can provide solid starts and whether their bowling attack can exploit early conditions.
The inclusion of Antum Naqvi, who averages nearly 70 in first-class cricket, could provide Zimbabwe with much-needed batting depth. Afghanistan’s young batting lineup will be tested on what should be a decent batting track.
Match Prediction
Afghanistan enter as slight favorites given their recent dominance over Zimbabwe and superior Test record. However, Zimbabwe’s return to Harare – their preferred venue – and Afghanistan’s lack of Test cricket since January could level the playing field.
Predicted Result: Close contest with slight advantage to Afghanistan. If Zimbabwe’s batters can score 400+ in first innings, they have a strong chance of securing their first Harare Test win since 2013.
Key Factor: Early wickets will be crucial. Whichever team wins the first session on Day 1 will likely control the match.
Where to Watch
Check local listings for broadcast details. Live streaming and ball-by-ball commentary available on ESPNcricinfo and other cricket platforms.
Source: ESPNcricinfo, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), Zimbabwe Cricket, Cricket Times
Last Updated: October 20, 2025