Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back after losing the T20I series in the UAE. They secured an innings-and-85-run victory over Bangladesh in June. The two sides have won two Tests each in their five previous meetings, while one match ended in a draw.
Rahmat Shah has been Afghanistan's leading batter, scoring 901 runs in his last nine matches at an average of 56.31. Hashmatullah Shahidi has also contributed 694 runs in his last 10 outings.
Zimbabwe will enter the series after beating Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs in their previous Test in Harare in June. They scored 410 in their only innings, while Bangladesh managed 140 and 185 across their two innings.
Blessing Muzarabani will lead Zimbabwe's pace attack after taking 73 wickets in 19 Tests. Vincent Masekesa has claimed 10 wickets in four matches, while Brad Evans has taken 10 wickets in three Tests.
AFG vs ZIM Live Streaming and Telecast: Where to Watch 1st Test?
In Afghanistan, Ariana TV will broadcast the match, while fans can also stream it on the Etisalat app. Viewers in Zimbabwe can watch the live telecast on SuperSport TV and stream the match through the DStv Stream app and SuperSport website.
However, the pitch is likely to become slower and drier as the match progresses. This should bring the spinners into the contest, with increased turn and variable bounce making batting more challenging in the later innings.
Teams batting first have won four of the nine Tests at Sharjah, while teams bowling first have also won four. The captain winning the toss is likely to choose to bat first, as conditions could become more difficult for batters later in the match.
Matches won batting first: 4
Average first-innings score: 352
Average third-innings score: 212
Highest total: 690/10 (143.1 overs) — New Zealand vs Pakistan
Highest successful chase: 302/5 (57.3 overs) — Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
Highest individual score in an innings: 202 — Brendon McCullum (New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2014)
Best bowling figures in an innings: 7/94 — Mark Craig (New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2014)
AFG vs ZIM Weather Forecast: Will Rain Affect the Sharjah Test?
Sharjah is expected to experience hot and mostly sunny conditions throughout the five-day AFG vs ZIM Test. AccuWeather forecasts daytime temperatures of 34°C on the opening day, rising to 36°C on November 6 and 7.
Neither team has reported any major injury concerns or player unavailability ahead of the opening Test. Both sides are expected to have their main players available for the series opener.
AFG vs ZIM Predicted Playing 11 Today
Zimbabwe Predicted Playing XI: Brian Bennett (c), Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza.
AFG vs ZIM Key Player Battles to Watch
Rahmat Shah has been Afghanistan's most consistent red-ball batter. Blessing Muzarabani will look to use his height to generate extra bounce and trouble Rahmat early in his innings.
Brian Bennett will be important to Zimbabwe's plans at the top of the order. Zia-ur-Rehman will aim to use the dry Sharjah surface to generate turn and challenge Bennett's defence.
Brendan Taylor brings crucial experience to the Zimbabwean middle order. Qais will look to exploit the deteriorating Sharjah pitch to deceive the veteran batter in flight.
AFG vs ZIM Key Players to Watch
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Blessing Muzarabani, Brendan Taylor
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