Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe play a three-team ODI tri-series in Abu Dhabi in October 2026, following the one-off Afghanistan v Bangladesh Test at the same venue. The first three matches are scheduled for 17, 19 and 21 October, and each is live on CricketDream with free fantasy, draft and predictor games.
ODI squads had not been announced when this guide was published. We add them to CricketDream as soon as the boards confirm, and update this page. Until then, the schedule and the fantasy approach below apply.
UAE ODI Tri-Series 2026: schedule and timings
What to expect in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has generally played slow, and when Afghanistan beat Bangladesh in ODIs there last year the surface was no different. Daytime temperatures can reach close to 40 degrees. That tends to favour spinners and batters who can rotate strike, so wristspinners and middle-over specialists are the natural fantasy picks. Check the toss on each match page before you lock.
The three teams
- Afghanistan: Rahmat Shah is captain in Tests and ODIs after replacing Hashmatullah Shahidi. Their strength is spin, with Qais Ahmad among the wristspinners in the group. They beat Bangladesh in the ODIs in the UAE last year.
- Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto leads in Tests, and the white-ball squad and captain for this series will be confirmed by the BCB. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam are the usual spin core.
- Zimbabwe: the third side of the tournament. Squad details will be added once announced.
Fantasy approach for a tri-series
- Pick allrounders who bowl 10 overs: they score in both innings and protect you if one side is rested.
- On slow surfaces, give weight to spinners in the middle overs and openers who see off the new ball.
- Check the XI at the toss. Teams can rest players in a tri-series, so a named squad member is not always playing.
- Use a different captain for each match rather than backing one player all series.
Play free on CricketDream
Every CricketDream game is free, with no entry fee and no prize pool. Pick 11 players within the credit budget, choose a captain (2x points) and vice-captain (1.5x points), and follow your score live.
Read the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Test guide, then build your free Fantasy XI.
Read Test guideFrequently asked questions
When does the UAE ODI Tri-Series start?
The first match, Bangladesh v Zimbabwe, is on 17 October 2026 in Abu Dhabi at 5:00 PM IST.
Which teams are in the tri-series?
Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
Are the squads announced?
Not yet at the time of writing. CricketDream adds squads to each match as soon as they are confirmed.
Is CricketDream fantasy free to play?
Yes. Fantasy XI, Draft, Multi-Draft, Predictor, Cricket Quiz and CricketQuest are free, with no entry fees and no cash prizes.