TRISERIES OCTOBER 2026
Afghanistan vs Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe Tri-Series 2026
The ODI Tri-Series will run from October 17 to October 23, with all three teams playing one match against each other before the top two sides meet in the final. The series is part of a much bigger multi-format programme involving Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe during October and November.
The three teams will compete in a short but important ODI tournament. Each side will play two league matches, with the top two teams advancing to the final.
The tournament begins on October 17, when Bangladesh take on Zimbabwe. Afghanistan then enter the competition against Zimbabwe on October 19, followed by the Afghanistan-Bangladesh meeting on October 21.
Tri-Series Schedule
| Date | Match | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 17, 2026 | Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe | ODI | UAE |
| October 19, 2026 | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe | ODI | UAE |
| October 21, 2026 | Afghanistan vs Bangladesh | ODI | UAE |
| October 23, 2026 | Final | ODI | UAE |
Why This Tri-Series Matters:
Although the tournament is short, every match will carry significant importance.
With only two league matches for each team, there is little room for mistakes. A single defeat could make qualification for the final much harder, especially if the other teams pick up wins.
The UAE conditions will add another interesting factor. Teams will need to adapt to the pitches, manage the heat and make smart decisions with both bat and ball.
For Afghanistan, it is also an important part of a busy home-season programme. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has described the multi-format schedule as an opportunity to give its players valuable international competition
The Final on October 23
The top two teams from the league stage will qualify for the final on October 23.
With only three league matches in total, the standings could remain close until the final game. Net run rate may also become important if teams finish with the same number of points.
The final promises to be an interesting contest between the two sides that handle the UAE conditions and pressure best during the league stage.
The Bigger Afghanistan Tour
The ODI tri-series is only one part of Afghanistan’s international schedule.
Before the tri-series, Afghanistan will play Bangladesh in a one-off Test from October 9 to 13. After the ODI tournament, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will play three T20Is on October 27, October 29 and November 1.
VENUE
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 17 October | Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe | UAE |
| 19 October | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe | UAE |
| 21 October | Afghanistan vs Bangladesh | UAE |
| 23 October | Final | UAE |
Venue – United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe ODI Tri-Series will be hosted in the United Arab Emirates from October 17 to October 23, 2026. The specific cricket grounds are yet to be announced by the Afghanistan Cricket Board.
