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Afghanistan face Zimbabwe in the final of the ODI Tri-Nation Series in UAE 2026 on Friday, October 23, at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The match starts at 5 pm IST, with live streaming available on FanCode in India and no live television telecast. Fans can also check the probable playing 11, pitch report, Sharjah weather forecast and head-to-head record ahead of the title clash.
Afghanistan will face Zimbabwe in the final of the ODI Tri-Nation Series in UAE 2026 on Friday, October 23. The match will take place at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
The match is scheduled to start at 5 pm IST (3:30 pm local time). The toss is expected at around 4:30 pm IST.
Afghanistan enter the final unbeaten in the tournament, having won both their league matches. Zimbabwe secured their place in the title clash despite suffering a heavy defeat against Afghanistan earlier in the competition.
The two sides last met on October 19, when Afghanistan registered a 158-run victory. Sediqullah Atal scored a century, while Rashid Khan claimed four wickets for 17 runs to help Afghanistan dominate the contest. Zimbabwe will look to put that defeat behind them and produce a stronger performance in the final.
Cricket fans in India can watch the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe final live on the FanCode app and website.
FanCode is the digital streaming platform for the ODI Tri-Nation Series in UAE 2026. Viewers can access the match online through the platform, subject to its subscription requirements.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe final will not be telecast live on television in India. Indian viewers will need to use FanCode for online coverage of the match.
Broadcast arrangements differ across countries. Fans in other regions should check their local sports broadcasters and streaming services.
The confirmed playing XIs will be available after the toss. Based on the available squads and team previews, the following are the probable line-ups for the final.
Afghanistan probable playing 11: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah (captain), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Yamin Ahmadzai.
Zimbabwe probable playing 11: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Brendan Taylor (wicketkeeper), Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (captain), Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium surface is expected to favour bowlers who can exploit slower conditions and variations in pace. The pitch has played slow and low during the tri-series, making it important for batters to adjust their timing and avoid playing too many shots early in their innings.
Spinners could play a major role as the match progresses. Afghanistan have a particular advantage in this department, with Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi offering experience and control through the middle overs.
Zimbabwe's batters will need to build partnerships and avoid losing early wickets against Afghanistan's attack. Brad Evans and Blessing Muzarabani, meanwhile, will be important with the ball if Zimbabwe are to restrict Afghanistan's top order.
The toss could influence the teams' plans, particularly if the pitch becomes slower as the game progresses. A first-innings score in the region of 240 to 260 could be competitive on a surface offering assistance to spinners, although the actual conditions will depend on the match-day pitch.
Sharjah is forecast to be hot and sunny on Friday, October 23, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 32°C to 37°C. Conditions are expected to remain largely clear around the scheduled start, with a low chance of rain in the afternoon.
The heat could test players' fitness, particularly during long batting innings and extended spells in the field. The forecast suggests a low risk of rain interruptions, although conditions can change during the day.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe final is scheduled to begin at 5 pm IST on October 23. The toss is expected approximately 30 minutes before the match starts
Afghanistan appear to have the advantage heading into the final, having won both their league matches and beaten Zimbabwe convincingly in their previous meeting. Their balanced batting line-up and spin attack could prove decisive on Sharjah's slower surface.
Zimbabwe will need to improve their top-order performance and find a way to counter Rashid Khan and Afghanistan's other bowling options. If their experienced players build a solid platform, they could make the final more competitive.
Afghanistan enter the contest as favourites on recent form, but Zimbabwe have a chance to turn the result around if they adapt quickly to the conditions and perform consistently with both bat and ball.