When Afghanistan national cricket team walked onto the turf at Harare Sports Club on Monday, October 20, 2025, the atmosphere was electric despite the match being a solitary encounter.
Here’s the thing: this was the Only Test of the Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe, a one‑off fixture that carries weight for both sides in the ICC World Test Championship. The game kicked off at 9:30 AM Central Africa Time (CAT), which translates to 1:00 PM India Standard Time (IST) for millions of Indian fans tuning in via YouTube, while the FanCode platform listed the start a half‑hour later at 1:30 PM IST.
Match overview and schedule
The schedule was simple – a five‑day Test with the first day set for October 20. No other matches were penciled in for the tour, making every ball count. Both teams fielded their strongest line‑ups, though names weren’t disclosed in the streaming promos. According to the event listing on YouTube, the match title read “Day 1 of Only Test Between Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2025.” The same phrasing appeared on the FanCode page, reinforcing the singular nature of the encounter.
Because it’s a Test, the game can stretch up to five days, which means the teams are playing for endurance as much as skill. The ICC’s points system awards active competition, so even a drawn result could shift the standings for both nations.
Venue and local context
Harare Sports Club, located in the heart of Zimbabwe’s capital, has a storied past dating back to the early 1900s. Nestled at roughly 17°50′S 31°02′E, the ground often hosts international fixtures, but it hasn’t seen an Afghanistan‑Zimbabwe Test before. The venue’s pitch traditionally offers a balanced contest – a mix of seam and spin that can favor either side depending on weather.
Local fans gathered early, braving a crisp October morning. Vendors sold boiled peanuts and soft drinks while the stadium’s historic wooden stands creaked under the weight of enthusiastic crowds. The day’s heat was moderate, and there were no rain warnings, so officials expected a full day of play.
Broadcasting platforms and time zones
- YouTube – free live stream, start time listed as 1:00 PM IST / 9:30 AM CAT.
- FanCode – subscription‑based, listed start at 1:30 PM IST and displayed a “FREE TRIAL ENDED! Get a pass and don’t miss a moment” banner.
- Prime Video – included the match in its sports catalog, labeling it “Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2025 – One‑off Test – Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan.”
The half‑hour discrepancy between YouTube and FanCode remains unexplained, but both platforms synchronized the match’s live feed, meaning viewers on either service watched the same action.
For audiences outside Africa and India, both YouTube and Prime Video provided automatic time‑zone conversions, helping fans in England (7:30 AM BST) and Australia (11:30 PM AEST) plan their viewing.
Implications for the World Test Championship
Even a single Test can tip the balance in the ICC’s multi‑year championship. Zimbabwe, positioned near the bottom of the table, sees this as a chance to climb a few points. Afghanistan, meanwhile, hopes to cement its growing reputation as a competitive Test nation.
Cricket analyst David Robertson noted, “A win for either side would be a morale boost, but the real story is the experience Afghan players gain in sub‑continental conditions. That could pay dividends in future series.”
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) released a brief statement, saying the match “offers a platform for emerging talent to test themselves against a fast‑bowling attack that has evolved rapidly in recent years.” The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) echoed similar optimism, highlighting the importance of batting depth on slower pitches.
What to watch for in the coming days
The first day’s play set the tone: early wickets fell, but both sides managed to post modest runs. Key moments to follow include the spin duel expected on day two, where Zimbabwe’s veteran left‑arm spinner could test Afghanistan’s middle order.
Meanwhile, the Afghan pace unit, renowned for its speed, will likely exploit any early‑morning moisture at Harare. If the bowlers can extract bounce, they could dismantle the host’s top order before the afternoon session.
Fans should also keep an eye on the weather forecasts. Though the opening day was dry, the month of October can bring occasional showers that might force a break or even affect the result.
Overall, the only thing certain is that every session matters. With points on the line and no second chance, both teams are playing for pride, rankings, and the chance to write a new chapter in their cricketing histories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this match called an “Only Test”?
An “Only Test” means it is the sole Test match in a bilateral series. In this case, the Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe in 2025 consists of this single five‑day game, with no additional Tests or limited‑overs matches scheduled.
Which streaming service should I use to watch the match live?
If you want a free option, YouTube carries the live feed and lists the start time as 1:00 PM IST. For Indian viewers preferring a local platform, FanCode streams the game starting at 1:30 PM IST but requires a paid subscription after the free trial ends. Prime Video also offers the match for subscribers in selected regions.
How does this match affect the World Test Championship standings?
Both teams earn points based on the result: a win yields 12 points, a draw 4, and a loss none. Zimbabwe, currently low on the table, hopes to gain valuable points, while Afghanistan looks to solidify its rising position among newer Test nations.
What are the key challenges each side faces at Harare Sports Club?
Zimbabwe must negotiate a pitch that can offer turn later in the match, making their spin attack crucial. Afghanistan, on the other hand, relies on pace and bounce; adapting to the slower surface and potential evening dew will be vital for their bowlers.
Will weather interfere with the five‑day schedule?
Forecasts for Harare on October 20 were clear, but October can bring sporadic showers. Organizers have contingency plans, and any rain‑affected play would be made up on reserve days if necessary, though none have been officially announced.
