Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WILL the rain once again be the decider when Zimbabwe and Afghanistan meet in the second ODI match at Harare Sports Club today?
The weather forecast is predicting overcast conditions in the capital today but there are chances the rains might not come down the way they did on Tuesday.
The first ODI, which was reduced to 28 overs per side following a four-hour rain delay, was called off after just 9.2 overs due to persistent rain in the capital.
There is only a one percent chance of rain expected today.
Temperatures are expected to range between 17 and 30 degrees throughout the day.
The Chevrons will be hoping that today’s weather stays as forecast as they look to forge ahead in the series and take a 1-0 lead, with one game to go.
The series will be decided on Saturday.
Zimbabwe are on a mission to secure their first ODI series win over Afghanistan.
The Chevrons were on 44/5 when the match was called off on Tuesday.
Under overcast conditions, the team that was bowling first was always going to have an advantage.
And, with every ball asking questions from the batters, it was no surprise that it was the bowlers who were on top.
Azmatullah Omarzai and Fazalhaq Farooqi got plenty of movement, both in the air and off the pitch.
It was a tough initiation for Curran, who was beaten by Farooqi’s away movement in the opening over.
He got off the mark in international cricket with a clip to deep fine leg, but batting was always going to be a challenge.
He was then dismissed for 15 runs in the eighth over by Omarzai after going for a flashing drive, only to get a thick outside edge through to the wicketkeeper.
Tadiwanashe Marumani was undone by a peach of an in-dipper from Omarzai that saw his middle stump flattened.
Afghanistan were dealt a blow going into the ODI series after Rahmanullah Gurbaz was ruled out of the series due to a Grade 2B quadriceps injury, along with a bony hip flexor injury.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman was rested.
Zimbabwe handed debuts to batter Ben Curran and left-arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri.
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