Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Playing 11: Check live streaming, pitch report, weather forecast and playing XIs

Afghanistan will begin their campaign in the UAE ODI Tri-Series against Zimbabwe in the second match of the tournament on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Zimbabwe enter the contest after opening their campaign with a convincing 99-run victory over Bangladesh, while Afghanistan will look to extend their strong recent record against Zimbabwe in ODI cricket.

Zimbabwe sit on two points following their opening win, which was built around a substantial fourth-wicket partnership between Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor. Afghanistan, meanwhile, have not lost an ODI against Zimbabwe in eight years, adding another dimension to the contest. The match is scheduled to begin at 5 pm IST.

Afg vs Zim Date and match time

The second ODI of the 2026 ODI Tri-Series will take place on Monday, October 19. The match is scheduled to start at 5 pm IST.

Afg vs Zim Live telecast details

A television broadcast for the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe second ODI has not been confirmed in the information provided.

Afg vs Zim Live streaming details

Live streaming of the 2026 ODI Tri-Series is expected to be available through the FanCode app and website with an active subscription.

Afg vs Zim Probable playing XIs

Afghanistan: Rahmat Shah (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Yamin Ahmadzai, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ziaur Rahman, Nangeyalia Kharote.

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl/Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani.

These are the probable squads or line-ups provided for the match; the final playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss.

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI: Pitch report

The Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium generally offers a balanced surface for ODI cricket. Batters can build their innings and score freely once they settle in, while fast bowlers may find some movement with the new ball. Slower deliveries and spin could become more influential as the match progresses.

Reports ahead of the game suggest that pace bowlers could have an opportunity early on, with spinners potentially gaining assistance later. Zimbabwe's previous match at the venue has also raised the possibility that batting first could be a sensible option.

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI: Abu Dhabi weather forecast

Hot conditions are expected in Abu Dhabi on match day, with temperatures forecast to reach around 37°C. The heat could make conditions demanding for players, and an excessive-heat warning has been reported for the area.

Rain is not expected, while cloud cover is forecast at approximately 17%. Winds are expected to blow from the west-southwest at around 13 km/h. With little prospect of rain interrupting play, the weather appears favourable for a full match, although the high temperature could influence player stamina and match management.

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe: Head-to-head ODI record

Afghanistan have the better overall record in ODI meetings between the two sides.

• Matches played: 31
• Afghanistan won: 20
• Zimbabwe won: 10
• No result: 1

Afghanistan's record of going eight years without an ODI defeat to Zimbabwe gives them a historical advantage, although Zimbabwe will carry confidence into the match after their opening victory.

Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh: How Zimbabwe won the opening match

Zimbabwe began the tri-series with a 99-run victory over Bangladesh on Saturday. Craig Ervine scored 93, while Brendan Taylor made 81. Their 150-run partnership for the fourth wicket helped Zimbabwe post 271/8.

Bangladesh were subsequently dismissed for 172, with Brad Evans taking four wickets for 45 runs. The victory was Sikandar Raza's first as Zimbabwe's ODI captain and came after the team had suffered three consecutive defeats against Australia at home.

Bangladesh will also be without Litton Das for the remainder of the series after the batter was ruled out with a hip injury.