Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will meet in the second and final Test of their series from November 13 to 17, 2026, at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The opening match ended in a draw after both teams produced impressive batting performances, leaving the series level ahead of the final encounter.
Afghanistan will look to improve its bowling performance after conceding more than 1,000 runs across Zimbabwe’s two innings in the first Test. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will aim to continue their strong batting form, with Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor and Wessly Madhevere among the players who made significant contributions.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd Test: Match Details
The second Test will begin on Friday, November 13, and continue until November 17. Sharjah Cricket Stadium will host the match, with the scheduled start time set for 11:30 AM IST.
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match Detail | Information |
| Match | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 2nd Test |
| Series | Zimbabwe Tour of Afghanistan in UAE 2026 |
| Dates | November 13 to 17, 2026 |
| Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah |
| Format | Test Cricket |
| Match Number | 2nd of 2 Tests |
| Start Time | 11:30 AM IST |
| Toss Time | 11:00 AM IST |
This is the final match of the two Test series. Both teams will be aiming for a victory after the opening encounter failed to produce a winner.
First Test Ends in a High Scoring Draw
The first Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe ended in a draw on November 9 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Zimbabwe scored 504 runs in their first innings, while Afghanistan responded with 514 to take a 10 run lead.
Afghanistan’s batting performance featured three centuries. Rahmat Shah led the innings with 173, while Rahmanullah scored 113 on his Test debut. Sediqullah Atal also made an impressive 105, helping Afghanistan move ahead of Zimbabwe’s first innings total.
Zimbabwe responded strongly in their second innings and declared at 523/5. Craig Ervine remained unbeaten on 206, while Wessly Madhevere scored 100 not out. Brendan Taylor also contributed with scores of 131 and 82 across the two innings.
Zimbabwe’s second innings total created a major Test cricket milestone. They became the first team in Test history to score more than 500 runs in both innings of a single match.
With Afghanistan unable to chase the target before the match ended, the opening Test finished in a draw.
Players to Watch
Several players made a major impact in the first Test and will be important again during the second encounter.
Rahmat Shah: Afghanistan’s captain scored 173 in the opening match. His experience and ability to build long innings make him one of the team’s most important batters.
Rahmanullah: The Afghanistan debutant made an impressive start to his Test career with 113 runs. His performance provided a strong foundation for the team’s first innings.
Sediqullah Atal: Atal scored 105 in the first Test, continuing his impressive form. Afghanistan will expect another valuable contribution from him.
Craig Ervine: Zimbabwe’s experienced batter scored an unbeaten 206 in the second innings. His ability to occupy the crease for long periods could again prove important.
Brendan Taylor: Taylor scored 131 and 82 across the two innings and was named Player of the Match. His experience will be valuable for Zimbabwe.
Wessly Madhevere: Madhevere finished Zimbabwe’s second innings unbeaten on 100. His century helped the team establish a strong position before declaring.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Test Squads
Afghanistan will be led by Rahmat Shah, with Ikram Alikhil serving as vice captain. The squad includes experienced players and younger batters who will look to build on their performances from the first Test.
Zimbabwe will be captained by Brian Bennett in the absence of injured fast bowler Richard Ngarava. Their squad features experienced campaigners such as Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine, along with several younger players.
Afghanistan squad: Rahmat Shah (captain), Ikram Alikhil (vice captain), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Qais Ahmad, Yamin Ahmadzai and other selected players.
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 and Wessly Madhevere.
The final playing XIs will be announced at the toss on November 13.
Sharjah Pitch Report
Sharjah Cricket Stadium offered favourable batting conditions during the first Test. The surface provided limited assistance to the bowlers, allowing batters from both sides to spend long periods at the crease.
More than 1,500 runs were scored in the opening match, with Zimbabwe making 504 and 523/5, while Afghanistan replied with 514. The performances showed how difficult it was for the bowling sides to take wickets consistently.
Afghanistan will particularly want its spinners to make better use of the conditions. Zimbabwe will also look to maintain its batting discipline while finding more opportunities with the ball.
The nature of the pitch in the second Test will be important. If it offers similar conditions, another high scoring contest could be on the cards.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Head to Head
Afghanistan and Zimbabwe have faced each other in several international cricket contests across formats. Their Test meetings have produced competitive cricket, with both teams capable of strong performances.
The first Test of the current series ended in a draw, with Zimbabwe scoring 504 and 523/5 and Afghanistan making 514 in response. Neither side managed to secure a decisive advantage.
The second Test will give both teams another opportunity to claim a victory in the series. Afghanistan will depend on its batting depth and spin attack, while Zimbabwe will look to build on its impressive first Test batting display.
Where to Watch the 2nd Test Live?
The Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe second Test will be played from November 13 to 17 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Indian viewers can check FanCode for the latest broadcast and live streaming information. Live scores, ball by ball updates and match scorecards will also be available through major cricket platforms covering the series.
