Mujeeb Returns as Afghanistan Opt to Bat First in Harare
Afghanistan opts to bat in the opening T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare as Mujeeb Ur Rahman makes his comeback, joining Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi in the spin attack.
Afghanistan began their multi-format tour of Zimbabwe with a T20I at Harare Sports Club, where captain Rashid Khan won the toss and opted to bat. The visitors welcomed the return of off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who is making a comeback after recovering from injury. Mujeeb, last seen in a T20I in June, will join Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi in Afghanistan's strong spin lineup.
Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, made one change, with Trevor Gwandu replacing Tinotenda Maposa. Raza stated he would have preferred to bowl first, aligning with Afghanistan's decision to bat. The Harare pitch, offering favourable conditions for batters, sets the stage for a thrilling contest. The venue's square boundaries contrast significantly, with a long 79-metre side and a shorter 64-metre side.
Afghanistan's lineup features Sediqullah Atal as the opener in Ibrahim Zadran’s absence, opting for an experienced XI over younger options like Zubaid Akbari and Darwish Rasooli.
Key Highlights:
- Mujeeb Returns: Afghanistan’s spin attack strengthened with Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s comeback.
- Pitch Analysis: Batter-friendly pitch with contrasting boundary lengths (79m and 64m).
- Zimbabwe's Adjustment: Trevor Gwandu replaces Tinotenda Maposa in the lineup.
- Playing XIs:
- Zimbabwe: Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza (capt), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu.
- Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (capt), Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fareed Ahmed.
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