Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st Test Match Today, 5 November 2026: Schedule, Squads, Venue and Match Preview

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st Test Match 2026: Cricket fans are getting ready for an exciting Test match between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe on Thursday, 5 November 2026. The first Test of the two-match series will be played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Both teams will look to begin the Test series with a strong performance. Afghanistan will aim to use its spin-bowling strength and batting experience, while Zimbabwe will try to challenge its opponents with experienced players and a balanced squad.

The match is an important opportunity for both countries to demonstrate their progress in international Test cricket. Here is everything you need to know about the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st Test match, including the schedule, venue, squads, key players and match expectations.

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st Test Match Details

The opening match of the Afghanistan and Zimbabwe Test series is scheduled for 5 November 2026.

The match is scheduled to begin at approximately 11:30 AM Indian Standard Time.

Afghanistan Team Preview

Afghanistan have developed into a competitive international cricket team, particularly in limited-overs cricket. However, Test cricket presents a different challenge because players must maintain concentration, patience and consistency over five days.

Afghanistan will be looking for a strong performance from its experienced batters. Rahmat Shah is an important player for the team and will have a significant role in the batting department.

The Afghan bowling attack also has the potential to create problems for Zimbabwe. The team will look to use its spin options effectively, especially as the match progresses and the pitch changes.

Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah will be expected to guide the team and make important decisions throughout the match.

Zimbabwe Team Preview

Zimbabwe will enter this Test series with confidence and the ambition to produce a strong performance against Afghanistan.

One of the important developments before the series is the appointment of Brian Bennett as Zimbabwe’s captain. He will lead the 17-member squad because Richard Ngarava is recovering from a back injury.

Experienced cricketers such as Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine are also included in the squad. Their experience could prove valuable during challenging situations.

Zimbabwe have also included experienced spinner Graeme Cremer, who returns to the Test squad.

Blessing Muzarabani is another important player who could make a difference with the ball. His pace and ability to create pressure will be important for Zimbabwe’s bowling attack.

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Squads

Afghanistan squad

• Rahmat Shah (Captain)

• Hashmatullah Shahidi

• Afsar Zazai

• Yamin Ahmadzai

• Shahidullah Kamal

• Zia-ur-Rehman

• Ikram Alikhil

• Qais Ahmad

• Abdul Malik

• Ziaur Rahman

• Rahmanullah

• Sediqullah Atal

• Khalil Gurbaz

• Ismat Alam

• Mohammad Saleem

Zimbabwe squad

• Brian Bennett (Captain)

• Antum Naqvi

• Ben Curran

• Blessing Muzarabani

• Brad Evans

• Brendan Taylor

• Craig Ervine

• Graeme Cremer

• Innocent Kaia

• Ernest Masuku

• Kundai Matigimu

• Newman Nyamhuri

• Tadiwanashe Marumani

• Tafadzwa Tsiga

• Vincent Masekesa

• Wellington Masakadza

• Wessly Madhevere

These are the announced squads; the final playing XIs should be confirmed at the toss.

Key Players to Watch

1. Rahmat Shah – Afghanistan

Rahmat Shah is an experienced Afghan batter. His ability to build partnerships and score important runs makes him one of the players to watch in this Test match.

2. Hashmatullah Shahidi – Afghanistan

Hashmatullah Shahidi is another important member of the Afghan batting lineup. His experience and ability to play long innings could help Afghanistan build a competitive total.

3. Brian Bennett – Zimbabwe

Brian Bennett will have the responsibility of leading Zimbabwe in this series. His captaincy and batting performance will be important for the team’s success.

4. Blessing Muzarabani – Zimbabwe

Blessing Muzarabani is one of Zimbabwe’s important fast bowlers. His pace and ability to take wickets could create difficulties for Afghanistan’s batters.

5. Brendan Taylor – Zimbabwe

Brendan Taylor brings considerable international experience. His contribution with the bat could be valuable for Zimbabwe during the five-day contest.

Sharjah Cricket Stadium: Match Venue

The first Test will take place at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Sharjah is a well-known cricket destination and has hosted numerous international matches over the years.

The ground has witnessed several memorable cricket performances. Its conditions can offer opportunities for both batters and bowlers.

In Test cricket, pitch conditions become particularly important because the surface can change over five days. Batters will need patience, while bowlers must maintain accuracy and consistency.

Head-to-Head: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe

Afghanistan and Zimbabwe have faced each other in international Test cricket previously. According to the ICC match information available before this contest, both teams have recorded two Test victories against each other, with one draw.

This makes the rivalry particularly interesting because neither side has a clear historical advantage.

Afghanistan will hope to use its home-away familiarity with UAE conditions, while Zimbabwe will aim to make the most of its experienced players.

What to Expect From the Match?

The Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe first Test could provide an interesting contest between batting and bowling.

Afghanistan may look to build its innings carefully and use its bowling options to put pressure on Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will aim to make important contributions through its experienced batters and pace attack.

The first innings could be particularly important. A strong batting performance will help either team establish control of the match.

However, Test cricket is unpredictable. A team can change the direction of a match through a strong bowling session or an important batting partnership.

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st Test: Match Result and Live Score

As of the time of writing, the match is scheduled for 5 November 2026 and has not yet started.

Cricket fans can follow the latest score, playing XI, toss updates, wickets and full scorecard through the official cricket coverage.

Conclusion

The Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st Test match on 5 November 2026 is an important contest for both teams. Afghanistan will look to begin the series with a victory, while Zimbabwe will aim to challenge its opponents under the leadership of Brian Bennett.

With experienced players, talented young cricketers and competitive bowling attacks on both sides, fans can look forward to an interesting five-day Test match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The first Test will also provide an opportunity for both teams to prepare for the second match of the series, scheduled to begin on 13 November 2026.