ACCORDING TO OUR REPORT
TOSS WINNER – AFGHANISTAN
MATCH WINNER – AFGHANISTAN
AFG VS ZIM TODAY MATCH PREDICTION
The second Twenty20 International between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe finished in a similar manner to the first. Before the series began, the two sides’ on-paper gaps were evident, and this has manifested on the ground as well. Afghanistan now holds an unassailable series lead and will face even less pressure in the third and final contest. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, would be hoping for a consolation victory before returning home. On Saturday, March 20, 2021, the third match of the series will be played at Sheikh Zayed International Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
TEAM PREVIEWS
AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan could not have pleaded for more continuity in this series than they have shown. In all of their matches, the margin of victory was roughly the same. Both of their victories followed the same pattern, and most notably, both came after the total had been set.
Afghanistan’s game was once again set up by their batsmen at the top. This time, it wasn’t Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s scintillating knock that pushed Afghanistan to a place where they can unleash a late attack, but Karim Janat’s calculated knock. Mohammad Nabi’s expertise came in handy when he punished Zimbabwe’s bowlers en route to a huge total for Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s bowling has always been their strength, and chasing a target of 193 against the likes of Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi was always going to be challenging. It didn’t turn out to be any different, with Afghanistan winning by 45 runs. Afghanistan has a fantastic team on paper, as shown by their performances in the two matches. Despite lacking a few main players, they have performed admirably, and it will be fascinating to see how they do in the upcoming match.
ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe would be dissatisfied, based on their results in the two matches. They were in business at one stage, like they were in the first match, but they let the match fall between their fingers. At the end of the first innings, the heat got to them, and that was the difference between the two teams.
Although Zimbabwe has a strong team on paper, their chances have been hindered by the loss of four fast wickets in the powerplay. Sean Williams’ involvement in the middle of the war may have made a difference, but he left too quickly to make any impact on Afghanistan’s plans. Their batsmen gave it their all at the end of the innings, but it was too little, too late.
Overall, Zimbabwe has a good squad on paper, but they have struggled with execution. Brendan Taylor’s absence in the centre hasn’t helped their cause much. Dealing with Rashid Khan will be critical for Zimbabwe’s success in the upcoming match, and if they can easily negotiate him and the other spinners, they will be in good shape.