Match: 2nd T20I, Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2025
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM Local (11:30 AM GMT, 5:00 PM IST)
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
Series Status: Afghanistan lead 1-0
Toss: Not yet known
Series Situation
Afghanistan won the first T20I by a massive 53 runs, and now Zimbabwe face a must-win situation. The visitors took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with a dominant performance at the same venue on October 29.
Afghanistan’s top order batted with purpose, their bowlers produced a five-wicket powerplay, and the result was a comprehensive win. For Zimbabwe, it was a disappointing collapse after a bright start.
Expected Playing XIs
Zimbabwe (Likely XI)
Source: CricTracker, SportsCafe
Both teams are expected to play the same sides that took the field in the first game.
- Brian Bennett
- Tadiwanashe Marumani
- Brendan Taylor (wk)
- Sikandar Raza (c)
- Ryan Burl
- Tony Munyonga
- Tashinga Musekiwa
- Brad Evans
- Tinotenda Maposa
- Richard Ngarava
- Blessing Muzarabani
Afghanistan (Likely XI)
Source: CricTracker, SportsCafe
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Darwish Rasooli
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Shahidullah Kamal
- Rashid Khan (c)
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fareed Ahmad
- Abdollah Ahmadzai
Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch Conditions
The surface at Harare Sports Club is expected to be flat and will support the batters early on before slowing down for the spinners to take over. The pitch had some assistance for the bowlers in the first T20I, and batters should give themselves time before going for big shots.
Weather Forecast
It will be hot and cloudy in Harare with temperatures expected to be around 31 degrees. Though there will be thick cloud cover, there are no chances of rain during the match.
Players to Watch
| Role | Player | Team | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batter | Ibrahim Zadran | Afghanistan | Top scorer in the series with 52 runs from the first match. Looked in great touch. |
| Batter | Brian Bennett | Zimbabwe | The only consistent performer for Zimbabwe’s batting lineup. Started well in Game 1. |
| Bowler | Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Afghanistan | Leading wicket-taker with 4 scalps in the series. Destroyed Zimbabwe’s top order. |
| Bowler | Sikandar Raza | Zimbabwe | Top wicket-taker for Zimbabwe with 3 wickets in the series. Will need to lead again. |
| All-rounder | Azmatullah Omarzai | Afghanistan | Bowled brilliantly with figures of 3/29 in the first T20I. Key with bat too. |
What to Expect
Afghanistan’s Strengths
Afghanistan’s opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran raced to 63 without loss in the powerplay during the first match. Their aggressive approach put Zimbabwe on the back foot immediately. The bowling attack, led by Mujeeb and Omarzai, looks lethal.
Zimbabwe’s Challenge
Zimbabwe lost five wickets in the powerplay in the first match – the most they have lost in that phase. Their struggle against spin is likely to continue, with the Zimbabweans lacking batting support beyond Brian Bennett.
However, Zimbabwe’s bowling has been excellent, led by Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, and Blessing Muzarabani. If they can restrict Afghanistan’s explosive openers, they have a chance.
Match Prediction
Afghanistan are strong favorites. The visitors have won 17 of the total 19 T20I games between these teams, with Zimbabwe’s last win coming in December 2024. With momentum behind them and a settled lineup, Afghanistan should seal the series.
However, Zimbabwe won the Test match recently and will be desperate to keep the T20I series alive. If their top order can survive the early onslaught and Bennett gets support, an upset is possible.
Predicted Winner: Afghanistan (70% chance)
Expected Score: 170-180 in first innings