Going Out: Watch Afghanistan take on Zimbabwe

Denzil Pinto 07:29 07/01/2016
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  • Zimbabwe will play in Sharjah.

    Following their thrilling ODI series, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe resume their battle in the two-match Twenty20 series from tomorrow (Friday) in Sharjah and you can watch the action unfold with tickets still available.

    Hard-hitting batsmen Mohammad Shahzad, Mohammad Nabi, Peter Moor and spinner Graeme Cremer will be among the players in action for tomorrow and Sunday’s encounters, beginning at 20:00 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

    With Afghanistan winning the series-decider 3-2 on Wednesday, fans are in for a treat with high-quality action guaranteed.

    Spinners Cremer and Amir Hamza, who finished with a five and four-wicket haul respectively, have been impressive with the ball, taking 20 wickets between them in the ODI series. And wicket-keeper/batsman Shahzad has shown why he will be one of Afghanistan’s important players with seven man-of-the-match awards in the shortest format.

    The two sides are familiar foes, recently meeting in October in a Twenty20 series. Afghanistan, now coached by former Pakistan captain Inzamam Ul-Haq, stunned hosts Zimbabwe winning both encounters in the two-match series and go into the game on the back of two victories over Oman in November.

    It’s those results that see the Asian outfit in ninth position in the world rankings, five places ahead of Test nation Zimbabwe.

    Zimbabwe coach Dav Whatmore will be looking for a much-improved performance from his players and will be encouraged by his team’s victory over Bangladesh in their last Twenty20 match. The African outfit held their nerve to chase their target of 135, winning by three wickets with just one ball to spare to level the series in Dhaka in November.

    Besides winning the AGC Alokozay Cup, plenty will be at stake with the World Twenty20 just two months away. Both teams will be looking to fine-tune their preparations for the ICC showpiece event in India from March 8, while players will be looking to cement a place in the final squads.

    With huge crowds witnessing the ODI series, Sharjah Cricket Association honorary secretary Mazhar Khan insists the Twenty20 series will provide a thrilling spectacle.

    “Sharjah Cricket Stadium is always vibrant when Afghanistan play,” he said. “It’s not surprising because we’ve been hosting their international games for many years. During the ODIs, the attendance has been remarkable with more than 3,000 people in the stadium.

    “We are expecting a good crowd for the Twenty20 series especially as it starts at 20:00 and that the format is also the most interesting to watch.”

    He added: “The ODI series was exciting and both teams are very good. There will be plenty to play for with the World T20 fast approaching. “It will be an even game and will provide plenty of excitement for fans.”

    Ticket prices start at Dh30 and can be purchased at the gate or on www.platinumlist.net.

    WHAT: Afghanistan v Zimbabwe Twenty20 series
    WHEN: Friday and Sunday, starting at 20:00
    WHERE: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
    VERDICT: Not one to be missed for cricket fans in the UAE. Both sides have been impressive in their tour and will provide plenty of entertainment inside a vibrant Sharjah Stadium
    CONTACT: For ticket information and purchases, visit www.platinumlist.net

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