Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe – 1st Test Betting Tips

Afghanistan will take on Zimbabwe in the two-match Test series, starting from Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.

This will be the first bilateral series for both teams since coronavirus pandemic halted cricketing activities back in March 2020.

Despite playing some white-ball cricket in the recent past, both sides have not played any red-ball cricket in some time. Therefore, it will be hard to predict what kind of performances players will be able to produce in the five-day contest.

To make matters even more interesting, this will be the first time when both teams will compete in the five-day format.

The home team—Afghanistan—will come in the series as slight favourites, largely due to their spin-dominant bowling attack which will be more suited to the conditions in Abu Dhabi.

On the other hand, the visitors will be hoping to put a solid display and showcase their talent in arguable the toughest format of the game against an emerging side.

Second and final Test will be played at the same venue from March 10 which will be followed by a three-match T20I series which will also be played at the same ground.

Afghanistan Form and Team news:

Afghanistan team looks a relatively inexperienced one on the paper but they will be led by a seasoned campaigner in Asghar Afghan.

In the batting department, the home team will be relying heavily on the likes of skipper Asghar Afghan, Javed Ahmadi and Hashmatullah Shahidi to score bulk of the runs and put the opposition under pressure.

Just like the batting department, the bowling unit looks relatively inexperienced as well which is why a lot will be depending on the performance of star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who will be trying his best to get fit in time for the opening game of the series.

Zimbabwe Form and Team News:

Just like the home team, the visitors have also announced a relatively inexperienced squad for the two-match Test series. The team will be led by experienced all-rounder Sean Williams.

In the batting department, Zimbabwe team management will be relying on the likes of captain Williams, veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza and wicketkeeper-batsman Richmond Mutumbami to score bulk of the runs and put the home team under pressure.

On the bowling front, the onus will be on the likes of pacers Donald Tiripano, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava along with off-spinner Sikandar Raza to produce timely breakthroughs and dismantle the home team’s batting unit.

Odds by Casumo

According to the Casumo sportsbook, Afghanistan will be favorites to win the opening game of the Test series. For the Test series opener, Afghanistan are placed at 1.22 odds, while Zimbabwe at 7.50 odds

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Our Tipster’s Angle

On paper, it is extremely hard to predict the outcome of the series as not only both teams are very inexperienced but also they’ve not played any red-ball cricket in some time due to various reasons.

However, one thing which goes in the favor of Afghanistan team is that majority of their players play their home cricket in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—due to law and order situation back home.

Since the series will be organized completely in the UAE, it gives the home team a certain advantage and therefore the prediction is for Afghanistan to win opening game of the series.

Tip 1: Sean Williams to continue his excellent form in red-ball cricket

After being named as Test captain of the side for this series, Sean Williams will be looking to lead from the front with the bat. Left-hander has been one of the most bankable performers for Zimbabwe in the five-day format.

Since May 2018, Sean Williams has accumulated 349 runs in 4 innings at an average of 49.85 with one century and two half-centuries to his name. With Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine not available for this series, the side will be relying on Sean Williams to put in a notable score for Zimbabwe in this opening Test. So we are backing Sean Williams to score 50 or more runs @3.50.

Conclusion

Expect Afghanistan to register a hard-fought win over Zimbabwe in series opener.

1. Sean Williams to score 50 or [email protected].

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