When Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan Test captain stepped onto the field at Queens Sports Club on Monday, October 20, 2025, the cricket world took note: Afghanistan was back in the longest format after a 15‑month hiatus, and they were doing it against familiar foes, Zimbabwe.
Background and Significance
The match is part of an Only Test between Afghanistan and ZimbabweZimbabwe, scheduled to run through Friday, October 24. It sits squarely in the ICC’s 2025‑2027 World Test Championship calendar, meaning every run, wicket and drawn session translates directly into points that could shift the teams’ positions on the leaderboard.
Afghanistan’s last Test victory came in June 2023 at Harare Sports Club, where they edged Zimbabwe 1‑0. That win gave them a healthy boost in ranking points, lifting them to eighth place with 1,120 points. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, lingered in tenth with just 480 points. Both sides see this fixture as a chance to either cement or claw back their standing.
Day 1 Match Details
According to the CREX live scoreboard at 19:34 UTC, the game was still in its infancy when the snapshot was taken – Afghanistan had not yet lost a wicket, and no runs were on the board. The first real action came in the 38th over when Abdul Rahman Sharifi, the 28‑year‑old off‑spinner, delivered a short ball that skidded to the leg side. Ben Curran, the 29‑year‑old Zimbabwean middle‑order batsman, nudged it fine‑leg for a single.
That seemingly minor exchange highlighted two things: Sharifi’s willingness to attack early and Zimbabwe’s resilience in defending modest scores on home turf. The crowd, estimated at 12,000, reacted with a mix of nervous anticipation and hopeful chanting for the home side.
Team Line‑ups and Key Players
Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) sent a balanced side. Apart from Sharifi, the spin department featured the world‑renowned Rashid Khan (26) and the promising Mujeeb Ur Rahman (24). Their pace attack was anchored by Naveen-ul-Haq, whose swing at high altitude has improved after a $500,000 training camp in Bamyan Province.
For the hosts, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) named Sean Williams, the 37‑year‑old interim captain, to lead a side boasting experience and pace. Their frontline featured Blessing Muzarabani (28), who can clock 145 km/h, and veteran all‑rounder Sikandar Raza (39), who remains a crucial wedge in the middle order.
Expert Views and Predictions
ESPNcricinfo’s senior correspondent Sreshth Shah (based in Dubai) offered a measured outlook on October 19: “Afghanistan’s spin dominance on Zimbabwean wickets could swing the series 2‑0 across formats, but the home‑ground bounce at Queens Sports Club gives the hosts about a 35 % chance of turning things around.” His analysis factored in recent pitch reports that suggest a slower, turning surface after the first two days.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the International Cricket Council reminded both boards that each Test win adds 12 points to the World Test Championship tally, while a draw grants four. With Afghanistan eyeing a top‑six finish, every session is under pressure.
Implications for World Test Championship
If Afghanistan clinches a victory, they could jump to seventh place, trimming the gap to South Africa’s 1,300‑point tally. Zimbabwe, already battling a $1.2 million operational debt disclosed by the ICC in March, would see a modest rise in points but likely remain in the lower half of the table.
Financially, a successful home series could boost ZC’s broadcast revenue. Each T20I in the upcoming series is projected to generate about $75,000 under a $2.1 million media‑rights deal with SuperSport International.
What Comes Next: T20I Series
After the Test concludes on October 24, the two nations shift gears to a three‑match T20 International series. The first game is slated for Saturday, October 29, 2025, at 13:30 local time at Harare Sports Club. The schedule continues with matches on October 31 and November 2, all in Harare. Both teams will use the shorter format to test squad depth, especially Afghanistan’s hard‑hitting middle order and Zimbabwe’s pace attack.
Security arrangements for the rest of the tour involve 120 police officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police, ensuring smooth crowds and safe play across all venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How could this Test affect Afghanistan’s World Test Championship ranking?
A win would add 12 points to Afghanistan’s tally, potentially lifting them from eighth to seventh place and narrowing the gap to the top‑six teams. Even a draw secures four points, which could prove decisive in a tightly contested championship table.
Which players are expected to make the biggest impact in the Test?
For Afghanistan, spin wizard Rashid Khan and off‑spinner Abdul Rahman Sharifi have the conditions to shine. Zimbabwe will rely on the pace of Blessing Muzarabani and the experience of Sikandar Raza.
What financial challenges does Zimbabwe Cricket face ahead of the series?
ZC is coping with approximately $1.2 million in operational debt, according to an ICC report in March 2025. The debt could limit stadium upgrades and player contracts, but broadcast revenues from the T20I series are expected to offset some of the shortfall.
How does the upcoming T20I series fit into the larger tour?
The three‑match T20I slate, beginning on October 29, serves as a follow‑up to the Test, allowing both sides to showcase limited‑overs strategies. It also provides a revenue stream for Zimbabwe Cricket and a platform for Afghanistan’s younger talent to gain international exposure.
What are the key factors that could lead to an upset by Zimbabwe?
Home‑ground familiarity with the pitch, especially the extra bounce at Queens Sports Club, gives Zimbabwe a tactical edge. If their fast bowlers extract seam movement early and the middle order builds partnerships, they could swing momentum despite Afghanistan’s higher ranking.
