Match Thread: Afghanistan v Zimbabwe 1st Test (2nd-6th March)

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Huge news!!!!

Win the toss & they’re a chance

My thoughts on the match -

I find it very hard to be confident about Zimbabwe's chances considering the amount of players missing from the XI, you could argue there six players at home that could/ should be in the side for the first Test. But with the likes of BT, Ervine & KJ missing is this the chance for Tari, Burl, Wes & Blessing to step out and show that the next chapter of Zimbabwe cricket can be a fruitful one?

The fact Rashid Khan is out is a game changer, I really felt if he played that regardless of what the rest of his team mates produced, he would take 11 or 12 wickets and probably score a quick fire 50 to bury Zimbabwe, the absence of his batting is huge in itself, the rest of the Afghanistan bowlers can't really hold a bat, so his runs at No.8 could have been vital. Sure Amir Hamza & Zahir Khan will cause Zimbabwe problems, but Rashid is a different beast and his absence gives Zimbabwe a chance.

As always in Dubai winning the toss and batting puts you well ahead of your opponent, but only if you take advantage of it! If Zimbabwe are able to win the the toss they need to make sure their batsman show the same application, concentration and determination they have thus far in the warm up games. All the seven batsman who are likely to be named have been in and amongst the runs during the two home intra-squad matches at home and also the game last week against Afghanistan at the academy ground, and they'll all need to contribute runs here.

I think it's pretty clear Zimbabwe will go with the 8-3 lineup and use the all-round options of Burl, Wes, Raza & Williams to subsidise the runs and hopefully wickets missing from a 4th front line bowler. Whether Zimbabwe decide to go with three seamers and no front line spinner is probably the biggest question mark over the final XI, I think the fact neither Wellington or Mavuta have much experience or form behind them might lead the brains trust into going this way.

The next question is which three seamers do you play? Blessing seems to be a lock, whilst I think the selectors are very tempted to pick Ngarava to open the bowling with Blessing, this would give Zimbabwe two big tall bowlers (Right & left hand combo as well) which could cause the Afghanistan batsman some trouble. The remaining spot will come down to either Tiripano or Nyauchi, considering both bowlers are similar in speed and ability, it will likely come down to batting and clearly 'the Don' wins that debate.

Tiripano's experience and ability to bowl long tight spells on wickets that offer nothing to him, will also hold him in good stead when it comes to the selection table, with Blessing having only One test innings of bowling under his belt, and Ngarava being on debut it makes more sense for Tiripano to be picked. In all likely hood the decision will come down to either Nyauchi or Ngarava, unless they do spring a surprise and pick a spinner. The other thing to consider is that in the 5 Tests under Rajput, Zimbabwe have always played a traditional 7-4 lineup, so they could spring another surprise and pick 3 seamers and a spinner.

My XI

Kasuza

Masvaure

Musakanda

Williams c

Burl

Raza

Madhevere

Regis wk

Tiripano

Blessing

Ngarava

All in all it looks to be a fascinating matchup between two sides who rarely play this form of cricket and who are both missing some key players. If you don't like my preview here's a link to the espncricinfo preview

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/afg ... ch-preview

Probably decent xi without brmt and Ervine. I hope we do well.

:W: blessing!

Can we fly BT & Craig over yet?

Donald wrote: ↑Tue Mar 02, 2021 10:49 am

Not in the UK its not. The link on first page regarding youtube link is not accessible to UK viewers.

Anyone have a link to live stream?

Works for me.

Type in afghanistan and hit the rabbit link.

Block block block zzzzzzzzz

Massive responsibility on Sean. The only real top quality top order batsman in the line up. Has the opportunity to play a good innings here to seal the fate of the match. If he goes cheaply, this match can go either way.

My concern with prince is he is very very limited in his scoring.

Zahirs first ball should have gone for four or 6 but he just couldnt adapt. He needs the ball in his right area only.

And, in my Googly style messge bombing, i dont think prince can survie against this spinner based on that first over. He is going to get an edge at some point in the next 30 balls.

I think if he can get to 35 from here he will have to consider himself lucky.