Chronicle Editor
THE third and final game of the one-day international series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will be played today at Harare Sports Club.
Afghanistan have already sealed the series by winning the first two games and the third ODI will be a dead rubber as far as the series is concerned.
But with 10 crucial points of the International Cricket Council World Cup Super League 2020-2023 up for grabs, both sides are expected to come out hard today.
The hosts arrived in the second ODI hoping to keep the series alive, but after being asked to bat first, the Zimbabwe batters struggled to build big partnerships and were bundled out for 228 runs in their 50 overs.
The Afghanistan bowlers bowled brilliantly and never allowed the hosts to get away.
Afghanistan’s top-order batters then stepped up as Ibrahim Zadran smashed his maiden ODI ton to help them chase down the total in the 45th over.
The hosts only managed to pick up two wickets as the eight-wicket loss led to a series defeat.
Pitch report
The pitch at Harare Sports Club is good for batting.
The bowlers will have to be on their toes while bowling on this surface, as the batters can hit through the line right from the start of their innings.
Weather Forecast
The temperature in Harare today is expected to range between 7°C and 20°C.
It is expected to stay humid throughout the day.
Match Prediction
Afghanistan have been sensational in the series so far and will be looking to carry forward the winning momentum into the final game.
Zimbabwe need to bring out their A-game to the table to finish the series on a high.
By all means, this is an uphill task for the hosts.
Fifties from Innocent Kaia (63) and Ryan Burl (51*) helped Zimbabwe finish their innings on 228 in the last match.
The bowlers tried hard and only managed to pick up two wickets as they failed to defend the total.
Fareed Ahmad finished with three wickets as they knocked over Zimbabwe for 228 in the last match.
Ibrahim Zadran remained unbeaten on 120 and was well-supported by Rahmat Shah (88).
The duo guided the team across the line with eight wickets in hand.
Probable XI
Zimbabwe: Innocent Kaia, Regis Chakabva (wk), Craig Ervine (c), Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Ryan Burl, Donald Tiripano, Tendai Chatara, Tanaka Chivanga, Blessing Muzarabani
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
– sportskeeda
Online Reporter