Zimbabwe Afghanistan will resume the Test competition this week after a break of more than three years. The first Test of the two-match ZIM vs AFG series is scheduled for Thursday (December 26) at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.
Afghanistan's tour of Zimbabwe began with a three-match T20I series. The home team won the first match before Afghanistan won the next two matches to win the series.
The T20I series was followed by a three-match ODI series that was completely dominated by Afghanistan. The first ODI was washed out by rain as Zimbabwe stared down the barrel after reducing it to 44/5.
In the second match, the tourists defeated the hosts by a record margin of 232 points. After scoring 286 runs, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by just 54 runs.
In the third ODI, Afghanistan registered an 8-wicket win while chasing a modest total of 128 runs. With both teams now gearing up for the first Test, here are all the predictions for the match.
ZIM vs AFG match prediction – 1st Test, Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024-25:
Pitch conditions
The first Test will be played between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. The pitch is expected to provide great help to both batsmen and bowlers.
While both bowlers and batsmen have the opportunity to make an impact in Bulawayo, they will need to be at their best to reap the rewards. Previous tests at the stadium have shown that the pitch in Bulawayo can be very rewarding provided the players work hard.
Shape and fitness
There are no concerns about injury to either of the two difference.
Predicting the outcome
| a team | First roles | Second floors |
| Zim | 250300 | 100-150 |
| AFG | 300-350 | 150-200 |
ZIM vs AFG Players to make a prediction
Zim – Craig Irvine, Shaun Williams, Sikandar Raza, Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani will be the key players for Zimbabwe.
AFG – Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahmat Shah, Rashid Khan and Farid Malik will be the key players for Afghanistan.
ZIM vs AFG best prediction for batsman
Who will score the most points for ZIM in the match: Sean Williams or Craig Ervine
Who will score the most goals for AFG in the match: Siddiqullah Atal or Heshmatullah Shahidi
ZIM vs AFG Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for ZIM in the match: Richard Ngarava or Blessing Muzarabani
Who will pick the most wickets for AFG in the match: Azmatullah Omarzai or Rashid Khan
Conclusion – Who will win the match?
Although Zimbabwe's home conditions are on their side, Afghanistan will start the match as strong favorites and are expected to win the first Test.
Zimbabwe are the more experienced team, but Afghanistan showed that experience and previous record do not matter much on match day by outscoring the hosts in a limited series of matches.