Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st ODI: After a 2-1 series win against Zimbabwe in the T20I series, Afghanistan look to emulate the same performance in the 3-match ODI series. With the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be held next year, the 50-over format of the game holds a special place in Afganistan's preparatory plans. Afghanistan will have the likes of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, etc. to test the hosts Zimbabwe who would be keen to not repeat the same mistakes they made in the T20I series. (LIVE Scorecard)
Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Live
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UPDATE 1021 GMT - Excellent news! The covers are coming off! The conditions also look a lot better as the sun is shining and the sky seems clear too.
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The covers are coming off.
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UPDATE - 0912 GMT - Well, things were looking promising for a while but it has started to rain again and the blue sheets have been placed back on the ground. Let's hope it's a passing shower.
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UPDATE - 0900 GMT - More good news! The covers have been removed. Looks like we will get some action shortly. Stay tuned.
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UPDATE - 0830 GMT - WE HAVE GOOD NEWS! The rain has stopped completely and it has gotten a lot brighter too. The match referee is assessing the conditions out in the middle. The covers are still firmly in place though.
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UPDATE - The rain continues to come down and the waiting game continues! The forecast isn't that bad but there are puddles seen on the ground. It could take some while for the ground to be game ready. First though, the rain has to stop. Fingers crossed for now.
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UPDATE - Well, we are hearing that the toss has been delayed as it is currently raining in Harare. Stay tuned for more updates.
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Zimbabwe lacked a proper batter in the middle orders as seen in the T20I but have added Ben Curran to the squad and could well possibly make his debut for the hosts. Afghanistan on the other hand would rely on their spin trio, AM Ghazanfar, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman to make amends for the visitors. Afghanistan are no doubt the favourite but the hosts will be eager to perform in front of their home crowd. Who do you think will win? Stay tuned.
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Hello and welcome to the first ODI between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. After an enthralling T20I series, it's time for the longest format in white ball cricket to kick off. Afghanistan have momentum on the tour after winning T20Is 2-1. Both teams have retained most of the squad but a couple of new faces have been added to watch out for.
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...MATCH DAY...
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After clinching a 2-1 triumph in the T20I series, Afghanistan's all-format tour of Zimbabwe moves to an interesting three-match ODI contest. The iconic Harare Sports Club will be the exclusive venue hosting all three games. Zimbabwe, reeling from four straight T20I series defeats this calendar year, now seeks redemption under Craig Ervine's captaincy in the ODIs. While the tourists carry forward their winning momentum, the hosts are determined to reverse their fortunes in the longer white-ball format. Zimbabwe has largely retained its T20I squad for the ODI series while making a few notable additions. Ben Curran, a member of England's Curran cricketing family, joins the squad as a new promising face. The team has also strengthened its wicketkeeping department by bringing in Joylord Gumbie as an additional option behind the stumps. Zimbabwe's batting backbone consists of seasoned performers Sean Williams and all-rounder Sikandar Raza. Their bowling arsenal features pacers Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, while Wellington Masakadza partners with Raza to handle the spin responsibilities. The visiting Afghanistan side, under Hashmatullah Shahidi's leadership, boasts a dynamic batting lineup. Power-hitter Rahmanullah Gurbaz pairs with the emerging Sediqullah Atal at the top, while the classical batter and vice-captain Rahmat Shah provides stability in the middle order. The team's strength lies in their versatile all-rounders - Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, and the experienced Mohammad Nabi. Their formidable bowling unit combines the elite spin duo of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, supported by AM Ghazanfar with a highly capable pace department, making them a well-rounded force. With Zimbabwe seeking redemption and Afghanistan riding high on their T20I success, this ODI series promises to deliver compelling cricket across all three matches at the Harare Sports Club. In head-to-head ODI cricket between these two sides, Afghanistan holds the upper hand with 18 victories compared to Zimbabwe's 10 wins across their 28 encounters. But can Afghanistan challenge Zimbabwe on its home soil in the longer white-ball format? Which team will win the series opener? Let the games begin!