Match: 3rd T20I, Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2025
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM Local Time (11:30 AM UTC)
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe
Series Status: Afghanistan leads 2-0 (series already won)
Toss: Not yet conducted
Series So Far
Afghanistan has dominated this T20I series and already wrapped up the trophy with two convincing victories. In the first match on October 29, they crushed Zimbabwe by 53 runs after posting 180/6, with Ibrahim Zadran scoring 52 and Mujeeb Ur Rahman taking 4/20. The second game on October 31 saw Afghanistan win by 7 wickets after bowling out Zimbabwe for just 125, with Rashid Khan’s brilliant 3/9 spell leading the way.
Today’s third and final match is essentially a dead rubber, but both teams will still have plenty to play for. Zimbabwe wants to salvage some pride and avoid a whitewash, while Afghanistan will look to complete a clean sweep.
Expected Playing XIs
Zimbabwe (Likely XI)
Source: Based on squad lists from ESPNcricinfo and Cricket Addictor
- Brian Bennett
- Tadiwanashe Marumani
- Dion Myers
- Sikandar Raza (c)
- Ryan Burl
- Brendan Taylor
- Tashinga Musekiwa
- Wellington Masakadza
- Tinotenda Maposa
- Richard Ngarava
- Blessing Muzarabani
Note: The playing XI is not officially confirmed. Zimbabwe may make changes after losing the series.
Afghanistan (Likely XI)
Source: Based on squad lists from ESPNcricinfo and Cricket Addictor
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Darwish Rasooli
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan (c)
- Abdollah Ahmadzai
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Noor Ahmad
- Fareed Ahmad
Note: Afghanistan may rest some key players or give opportunities to fringe players since the series is already won.
Players to Watch
| Player | Role | Recent Form | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibrahim Zadran (AFG) | Batter | 52 & 57* in first two matches | Back-to-back fifties show excellent form |
| Rashid Khan (AFG) | Bowler | 3/9 in 2nd T20I | Afghanistan captain bowling brilliantly |
| Sikandar Raza (ZIM) | Allrounder | 3/20 & 37 runs | Zimbabwe captain needs support from teammates |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman (AFG) | Bowler | 4/20 & 2 wickets | Spinner has troubled Zimbabwe batters |
| Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG) | Allrounder | 3 wickets in 1st match | Useful with both bat and ball |
| Tinotenda Maposa (ZIM) | Bowler | 32 runs in 1st match | Showed fight with the bat from number 9 |
Pitch Report and Weather
Harare Sports Club Pitch
The pitch at Harare Sports Club is expected to be slow and dry, making run-scoring difficult as the ball gets older. Spinners will play a key role, especially in the middle overs. The surface typically offers some assistance for both batters and bowlers early on, but becomes tougher for batting as the match progresses. The average first innings score at this venue is around 150-155 runs.
Fast bowlers who can bowl cutters and hit the hard length will be effective as the game goes on. Batting first appears to be the preferred option on this pitch.
Weather Forecast
The weather in Harare is expected to be hot and humid with temperatures around 31-32°C. There is no significant chance of rain, so we should get a full match without interruptions. Cloudy conditions are possible, but no major weather concerns.
What to Expect
Afghanistan will start as heavy favorites to complete a 3-0 series sweep. Their bowling attack has been too strong for Zimbabwe’s batters, and their openers have given them excellent starts in both matches. Rashid Khan has shown why he’s one of the world’s best T20 bowlers, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been equally impressive.
For Zimbabwe, this is about restoring pride and showing they can compete. Their batting has been disappointing – they’ve lost early wickets in both games and struggled to build partnerships. Sikandar Raza has tried his best, but he needs more support from the top order. If Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, and the middle order can fire together, Zimbabwe might finally put up a strong total.
The Harare pitch should suit both teams’ spinners, so the team that handles spin better will likely win. Afghanistan’s experience in these conditions gives them a clear advantage.
Prediction
Afghanistan is likely to win and complete a 3-0 whitewash. They have been the better team throughout the series, with superior performances in all three departments. Zimbabwe will need a perfect game to stop them.
However, cricket is unpredictable, and Zimbabwe will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep in front of their home crowd. If they can get early wickets and put pressure on Afghanistan’s middle order, an upset is possible.
Key Factor: Which team handles the slow, spinning pitch better will determine the outcome.