AFG vs ZIM is trending as Afghanistan and Zimbabwe meet in the final of the 2026 ODI Tri-Series in the United Arab Emirates on Friday, October 23. The title match is scheduled at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with Afghanistan carrying momentum after a convincing win over Zimbabwe earlier in the tournament. Here is the match schedule, venue, team context, key players to watch, and where to follow the score.
AFG vs ZIM Final: Match Details
| Match | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, Final |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ODI Tri-Series in UAE 2026 |
| Date | Friday, October 23, 2026 |
| Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE |
| Scheduled start | 11:30 a.m. GMT / 7:30 a.m. Eastern / 4:30 a.m. Pacific |
| Format | One Day International (ODI) |
Match timing and fixture details are listed by the International Cricket Council’s match page. Times can change, so check the official fixture and live score close to the start.
Why Is AFG vs ZIM Trending?
The teams are playing for the tri-series title after a short round-robin stage that also featured Bangladesh. Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by 158 runs in their league match on October 19, posting 294 before dismissing Zimbabwe for 136. Ibrahim Zadran scored 90 and Sediqullah Atal made 102, giving Afghanistan a strong platform with the bat.
Afghanistan then defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets to reach the final. Zimbabwe also secured a place in the decider after their results in the league stage. That sets up a rematch: Afghanistan will look to repeat its dominant performance, while Zimbabwe will aim to respond and finish the tournament with the trophy.
Players to Watch in the Final
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan and the top order
Leg-spinner Rashid Khan is a major threat in the middle overs, where control and wickets can change an ODI quickly. Afghanistan will also want another productive start from Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal, who both made substantial contributions in the previous meeting with Zimbabwe. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah and the all-round options lower down the order give the side additional ways to build or accelerate an innings.
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza and a stronger batting effort
Zimbabwe need a more resilient batting display after being bowled out for 136 in the earlier match. Captain Sikandar Raza can contribute with both bat and ball, while experienced players such as Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor may be important in stabilizing the innings. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, including Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, will need early breakthroughs to prevent Afghanistan from setting the tempo.
Final playing XIs should be confirmed around match time. Squad lists and last-minute changes can be checked on the ICC fixture page.
Sharjah Pitch and Match Factors
Sharjah’s conditions can reward batters who settle in, but the surface and pace of the pitch may influence how freely teams score. Afghanistan have already played at the venue during this series, which could offer useful familiarity. Zimbabwe’s key challenge is to build partnerships and avoid losing several wickets in a short period.
The toss, early movement for fast bowlers, and how the spinners perform through the middle overs could all shape the final. These are match factors to watch rather than guarantees about how the pitch will behave.
How to Follow AFG vs ZIM Live Score in the United States
U.S. viewers can follow ball-by-ball updates and the scorecard online through reputable cricket coverage. The ICC match centre is a useful official starting point, while ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz provide cricket scores and match coverage. Broadcast and streaming availability varies by country, so confirm access with a licensed local provider rather than assuming a particular service carries the match in the U.S.
AFG vs ZIM: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe final?
The ODI Tri-Series final is scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026, at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
What time does AFG vs ZIM start in the U.S.?
The scheduled start is 11:30 a.m. GMT, which is 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time and 4:30 a.m. Pacific Time on October 23. Check the live fixture for any changes.
Where is the AFG vs ZIM final being played?
The match is scheduled at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Who won the previous ODI between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe in this series?
Afghanistan won the October 19 league match by 158 runs. Afghanistan scored 294, while Zimbabwe were dismissed for 136.
Where can I check the AFG vs ZIM scorecard?
Use the ICC match centre or established cricket sites such as ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz for scorecards and live updates.
Final Takeaway
The AFG vs ZIM final brings Afghanistan’s strong recent form up against Zimbabwe’s chance to respond in a title match. Afghanistan’s top-order runs and spin attack will be important, while Zimbabwe need partnerships and early wickets to make the contest competitive. Follow the official match centre for confirmed lineups, the toss, and the latest score.
Image credit: Aksh Yadav via Unsplash. This article is a match preview; live scores and team selections may change as the game progresses.