In the recent past, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan have faced each other pretty frequently (ten One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in the last four months) while delivering some memorable contests. By virtue of them being the two most promising teams among the so-called minnows, there's bound to be a needle of competition. What adds even more spice this time is that Associates Afghanistan have got the better of Full Members Zimbabwe in the last two ODI series they have played. In fact, Zimbabwe are yet to beat Afghanistan in a bilateral ODI series.
The five-match series, which will be played over the course of 11 days at the Harare Sports Club, provides Zimbabwe with an opportunity for redemption. There's the added incentive of the ODI rankings as well, and a series win will help Zimbabwe overtake Afghanistan for a place in the top ten too. However, that will require a drastic turnaround in current form.
The hosts have had a rough run of late. Despite somehow making it to the final of the tri-series involving Sri Lanka and West Indies, they have won just one game from their previous nine ODIs. Out of those matches, they've crossed 200 just thrice which clearly highlights their batting as the major worry. On top of that, there's a cloud hanging over the fitness of Sean Williams and Hamilton Masakadza, neither of who have been included in the squad for the first ODI.
Afghanistan may have gone down recently against Bangladesh and Ireland, but it wasn't without a fight. That's exactly the quality due to which fans take to them so easily. What's more, they immediately bounced back to claim the Desert T20 title. The last 2-3 years have been a tremendous demonstration of how far this team has come. What it has also done is that it has inspired many others, thus providing a steady pool of talent. But then, they're impaired by having to play their games overseas. It hasn't deterred them so far there should be no reason why it should now.
Weather might play a big part in the opening encounter with dark clouds floating around and showers expected right through the day.
When: Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, 1st ODI on February 16th at 13.00 IST (9.30 local)
Where: Harare Sports Club, Harare
What to expect: Bouts of rain are expected throughout the day
Team news:
Zimbabwe: 19-year old uncapped pacer Richard Ngarava along side Carl Mumba have been added to the 14-member squad which was initially announced. Sean Williams, Hamilton Masakadza, Chamu Chibhabha and Tendai Chisoro, all of them were left out of the squad after failing to pass their fitness tests.
Afghanistan: They are playing an ODI after over four months and will be without their former captain Nawroz Mangal, who retired from international cricket earlier in the year. They've also made some other changes to the squad from their previous series against Bangladesh. Among the notable changes are the inclusions of Noor Ali Zadran, Gulbadin Naib and Aftab Alam.Teams:Afghanistan (From): Mohammad Shahzad(w), Rahmat Shah, Asghar Stanikzai(c), Noor Ali Zadran, Ihsanullah Janat, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Samiullah Shenwari, Najibullah Zadran, Dawlat Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Fareed Ahmad, Aftab AlamZimbabwe (From): Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer(c), Peter Moor(w), Tarisai Musakanda, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Nathan Waller, Elton Chigumbura, Wellington Masakadza, Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Solomon Mire, Richard Ngarava, Carl Mumba
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