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ABU DHABI. — Zimbabwe’s Chevrons stand on the brink of a series win, and not just a one-off triumph, for the first time, since beating Bangladesh in 2004, in the second Test against Afghanistan, which starts here today.

For Afghanistan, who’ve only so far featured in standalone Tests, it’s a chance to prove they’re no pushovers.

Zimbabwe have only won four Tests away from home, one in Pakistan, two in Bangladesh in separate series, and the previous one in Abu Dhabi.

This is the first Test series in the UAE that does not feature Pakistan, who played home Tests in the Middle East since 2010.

“There’s no pressure. We did well in the first game and we are looking forward to the second one,’’ said Zimbabwe seamer, Blessing Muzarabi.

“It’s the most important game because we have to want the series. We have to be patient, it’s not going to be easy like the last game. We really hope to win the series.

It will give us confidence.”

Leg spinning all-rounder Rashid Khan has recovered from the finger injury he sustained in the PSL and is expected to slot back into the XI.

Therein lies Zimbabwe’s biggest challenge.

They struggled against the left-arm spin of Amir Hamza, who took a career-best six for 75 in the first Test. Rashid, who will take the ball away from the right-handers, will pose more questions.

Zimbabwe will need to get used to the pace at which he bowls, which is a shade quicker than traditional spinners, and familiarise themselves with his ripping googlies.

Considering two key batsmen Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine are missing, Zimbabwe acquainted themselves superbly to tough conditions.

They will want to use the second Test as an opportunity to further strengthen their positions.

Afghanistan, too, have to focus on batting if they are to put up a fight to save the series.

Their lack of experience in long-format cricket was apparent in the first Test and they will want to show more application.

Although there is no shame in matches ending in fewer than five days – look no further than India and England two-day and three-day encounters – both Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will be eager to display their credentials in going the distance as this series is decided.

The much anticipated debut of Wesley Madhevere, in the first Test turned out to be a first-ball duck, after he was out lbw to Hamza.

With no DRS, Madhevere could not challenge the decision even though it looked like the impact could have been outside the line.

There was no second innings for Madhevere to make a better first impression and he’ll be hoping to spend more time in the middle in his second match.

The Abu Dhabi surface proved surprisingly seamer friendly in the first Test with a green grass covering and good bounce, but also took turn early on.

Sean Williams described it as being a “carpet on one side and a dustbowl on the other.”

Muzarabani’s observations of the second Test strip is that it has less grass on it but he still expects good bounce.

“Afghanistan are a very strong white-ball team, and we saw a lot of nick offs (nine out of 20). There are certain disciplines in Test cricket that you can get away with not having in ODI cricket because the slip cordon is not there,’’ said Williams.

“So, it’s a mental battle. It’s almost like a war going in your mind when you’re out there. Once you can learn to go and control that, you will be ready for Test cricket.’’

It’s heating up in the Emirates with temperatures into the 30s and Friday set to be a scorcher at 36 degrees.

Team news

Afghanistan (possible): 1 Ibrahim Zadran, 2 Abdul Malik, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Munir Ahmad 5 Hashmatullah Shahidi 6 Afsar Zazai (wk) 7 Asghar Afghan (capt), 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Amir Hamza, 10 Yamin Ahmadzai, 11 Zahir Khan/Fazalhaq Farooqi

Zimbabwe (possible): 1 Prince Masvaure, 2 Kevin Kasuza, 3 Tarisai Musakanda, 4 Sean Williams (capt), 5 Wesley Madhevere, 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Ryan Burl, 8 Regis Chakabva (wk), 9 Donald Tiripano, 10 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Victor Nyauchi

Where to watch the match live

1. Afghanistan: RTA
2. India: Fancode
3. Pakistan: Geo Super
4. Bangladesh: Rabbitholebd Sports YT Channel; www.rabbitholebd.com; Toffee (Mobile App), Radio Bhumi (Bangla Commentary)

Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC)TV & Rabbitholebd Sports

UK-Europe: Freesports 1 & their digital platform (www.FreeSportsPlayer.tv)

Rest of the World:  Rabbitholebd Sports YT Channel & www.rabbitholebd.com  — Cricinfo/Cricbuzz.