Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st Test 2026: Match Preview, Squads, Live Score and Streaming
The Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st Test 2026 is the opening match of the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe in UAE, 2026 series. The two teams meet at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, for a Test contest that will give both sides an opportunity to test their batting and bowling combinations.
Afghanistan will enter the match under the leadership of Ibrahim Zadran, while Sikandar Raza will captain Zimbabwe. Both teams have announced their squads, featuring experienced international players and several other options across their batting and bowling departments.
This guide covers the AFG vs ZIM match details, team squads, venue information, Indian streaming options and ways to follow the ZIM vs AFG live score. Cricket followers can also explore match-related information through MahadevBook and visit the Mahadev Book platform.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st Test 2026: Match Details
The following table provides the main details of the opening Test based on the supplied match information.
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 1st Test |
| Series | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe in UAE, 2026 |
| Format | Test |
| Date | November 4, 2026 |
| Local Start Time | 9:00 AM |
| GMT | 5:00 AM |
| Indian Time | 10:30 AM IST |
| Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
| City | Sharjah, UAE |
| India Streaming | FanCode |
The match is listed to begin at 9:00 AM local time in Sharjah. For viewers in India, the corresponding start time is 10:30 AM IST.
AFG vs ZIM 1st Test Match Preview
The AFG vs ZIM 1st Test brings together two international sides with different combinations and playing styles. Afghanistan have selected Ibrahim Zadran as captain and included players such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Azmatullah Omarzai.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will be led by Sikandar Raza. Their announced squad includes Blessing Muzarabani, Ryan Burl, Brian Bennett, Ben Curran and Wessly Madhevere.
Test cricket requires patience, disciplined batting and consistent bowling over multiple sessions. Therefore, both teams will need to manage their resources carefully throughout the match. A strong start can help establish momentum, but teams must also remain focused as conditions and match situations change.
The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Test match is also an opportunity to follow how the selected players perform in the longer format. Fans searching for ZIM vs AFG live updates can follow the scorecard and commentary as the match progresses.
Afghanistan Squad for AFG vs ZIM 1st Test
Afghanistan have announced a 15-player squad for the opening Test. Ibrahim Zadran will lead the team.
Afghanistan squad:
- Ibrahim Zadran (c)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Noor ul Rahman
- Sediqullah Atal
- Mohammad Akram
- Shahidullah Kamal
- Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Abdullah Tarakhail
- Rashid Khan
- Noor Ahmad
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Abdullah Ahmadzai
- Fareed Ahmad Malik
The squad includes a mix of batting options and bowling resources. Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are among the selected players who can contribute with the ball. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are also important names in the announced group.
Zimbabwe Squad for ZIM vs AFG 1st Test
Sikandar Raza will lead a 14-player squad as Zimbabwe announce their team for the first Test.
Zimbabwe squad:
- Sikandar Raza (c)
- Ben Curran
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Brad Evans
- Brian Bennett
- Innocent Kaia
- Kundai Matigimu
- Newman Nyamhuri
- Ryan Burl
- Tadiwanashe Marumani
- Tafadzwa Tsiga
- Vincent Masekesa
- Wellington Masakadza
- Wessly Madhevere
Zimbabwe’s squad features several players with international experience. Sikandar Raza will lead the side, while Blessing Muzarabani, Ryan Burl and other selected players will have opportunities to contribute in their respective roles.
Important: These names represent the announced squads, not the confirmed playing XIs. The final teams should be checked after the toss.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium: Venue Guide
Sharjah Cricket Stadium will host the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Test match. Located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, the venue has a listed capacity of 16,000 spectators.
| Venue Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Stadium | Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
| Location | Sharjah, United Arab Emirates |
| Capacity | 16,000 |
| Pavilion End | Pavilion End |
| Other End | Sharjah Club End |
| Host Country | United Arab Emirates |
The stadium’s two ends are the Pavilion End and Sharjah Club End. The supplied venue information does not include a detailed pitch report. Therefore, fans should check an updated ground report for confirmed information about the surface and playing conditions rather than relying on assumptions.
ZIM vs AFG Live Streaming in India
Cricket fans in India can follow the ZIM vs AFG live streaming through FanCode, which is listed in the supplied broadcast guide.
Here are the available broadcast details:
- Fixture: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 1st Test
- Streaming platform: FanCode
- Indian start time: 10:30 AM IST
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Viewers should check the FanCode match page for the latest streaming availability and any subscription requirements. Broadcast arrangements may vary by region, so viewers outside India should check their local listings.
ZIM vs AFG Live Score and Scorecard
Fans who cannot watch the complete match can follow the ZIM vs AFG live score through online cricket score services. A live scorecard helps viewers keep track of important developments without watching every delivery.
A typical Test match scorecard includes:
- Team totals and wickets lost
- Individual batting scores
- Bowling figures and overs completed
- Partnerships between batters
- Fall of wickets
- Innings summaries
- Match commentary and session updates
Searches such as ZIM vs AFG live score, Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan live score and cricket Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan can help fans find score updates and match coverage.
Since Test cricket can continue across multiple days, the scorecard is particularly useful for following innings progress, lead changes and the overall match situation. Check the latest score information for confirmed updates.
Players to Watch in Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe
Both teams have selected players who could influence different stages of the match.
Afghanistan Players
- Ibrahim Zadran: The Afghanistan captain will have an important leadership role and responsibility within the batting group.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: His inclusion gives Afghanistan another recognised batting option.
- Rashid Khan: One of the prominent names in Afghanistan’s announced squad.
- Noor Ahmad: Another selected bowling option for the team.
- Azmatullah Omarzai: His selection adds another all-round option to the squad.
Zimbabwe Players
- Sikandar Raza: Zimbabwe’s captain will lead the team during the opening Test.
- Blessing Muzarabani: The fast bowler is included in the announced squad.
- Ryan Burl: An experienced name in Zimbabwe’s selected group.
- Brian Bennett: One of the batting options named for the match.
- Wessly Madhevere: Another player included in the Zimbabwe squad.
Their actual roles and contributions will depend on the final playing XIs and match conditions.
Cricket Updates and Mahadev Book Information
Alongside international cricket coverage, users often search for platform information, account guides and cricket-related resources. The Mahadev Book app provides information about the app, while the Mahadev Book Cricket covers cricket-related platform details.
Users researching account-related topics can also read the Mahadev Book ID Guide. For additional contact and account information, the MahadevBook WhatsApp is another relevant resource.
Related searches include online cricket ID, Mahadev Book ID, Mahadev book registration, Mahadev book login, Mahadev book agent and Mahadev book number. Other users may look for Mahadev book deposit information or details about a Mahadev new ID.
Search phrases such as online cricket I D, online cricket book, Mahadev cricket, Mahadev app, Mahadev new online cricket ID, Mahadev games, mahabook, live cricket book and mahadevid also appear in cricket-related searches. These phrases refer to different user searches and should be understood in their relevant context.
Always review the applicable terms, eligibility requirements and local laws before using any online gaming or betting-related service. Do not treat match information or score updates as a guarantee of any outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About AFG vs ZIM
1. When is the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st Test 2026?
The supplied fixture information lists the match for November 4, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM local time in Sharjah and 10:30 AM IST.
2. Where is the ZIM vs AFG 1st Test being played?
The match is scheduled at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
3. Where can I watch ZIM vs AFG live streaming in India?
FanCode is listed as the streaming platform for viewers in India.
4. Who is captaining Afghanistan in the first Test?
Ibrahim Zadran is listed as the captain of Afghanistan.
5. Who is Zimbabwe’s captain for the 1st Test?
Sikandar Raza is listed as the captain of Zimbabwe.
6. Where can I check the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan live score?
You can follow the live score, scorecard and commentary through cricket score platforms covering the match.
7. Have Afghanistan and Zimbabwe announced their playing XIs?
The supplied information contains the announced squads. The confirmed playing XIs should be checked after the toss.
8. What is the capacity of Sharjah Cricket Stadium?
Sharjah Cricket Stadium has a listed capacity of 16,000 spectators.
Final Thoughts
The Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st Test 2026 opens the UAE series between these two teams at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Ibrahim Zadran will captain Afghanistan, while Sikandar Raza will lead Zimbabwe.
With both squads announced and FanCode listed for streaming in India, fans can follow the match through live coverage, scorecards and commentary. Keep checking the latest match updates for confirmed playing XIs and developments throughout the Test.