Afghanistan Edge Zimbabwe in a Thrilling Chase to Seal Series Win
Rashid Khan’s Magic and Omarzai-Nabi Resilience Secure a Hard-Fought Victory
Afghanistan 128 for 7 (Omarzai 34, Nabi 24, Muzarabani 2-19, Raza 2-19, Gwandu 2-30) beat Zimbabwe 127 (Bennett 31, Rashid 4-27, Omarzai 2-10, Mujeeb 2-20, Naveen 2-27) by three wickets*
Afghanistan overcame early batting troubles and a spirited Zimbabwean bowling attack to chase down 128 with three balls to spare, clinching the T20I series in dramatic fashion. Azmatullah Omarzai’s steady 34 and Mohammad Nabi’s calm 24* ensured Afghanistan held their nerve after being 45 for 4 at one stage.
Zimbabwe, though valiant with the ball, will rue their sloppiness in the field, conceding 17 extras, including a costly over from Faraz Akram. Despite Brian Bennett’s promising 31 and Rashid Khan’s match-winning spell of 4 for 27, the visitors could not break their winless streak in T20I bilateral series against Afghanistan.
Bennett’s Sparkling Knock Keeps Zimbabwe Hopeful
Zimbabwe began brightly after being put in to bat. Brian Bennett, continuing his fine form, struck four boundaries in a fluent 31 off 24 deliveries. He punished Naveen-ul-Haq early, slicing and pulling with intent to lift Zimbabwe to 31/1 in the fourth over.
However, once Bennett holed out to deep midwicket off Omarzai, the innings stalled. Zimbabwe fell from a promising 57/3 to 106/9, losing their way against Rashid Khan’s wizardry.
Rashid Khan Tears Through Zimbabwe’s Middle Order
Rashid Khan was the catalyst for Zimbabwe’s collapse, bagging 4 for 27. Introduced in the middle overs, Rashid delivered a trademark performance, trapping Faraz Akram LBW and deceiving Richard Ngarava with a googly.
He struck thrice in a sensational 17th over, ensuring Zimbabwe could only scrape to 127 despite Wellington Masakadza’s gritty 17*. Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2-20) and Omarzai (2-10) ably supported Rashid to keep the Zimbabwean total under control.
Zimbabwe Fight Back with the Ball
Zimbabwe’s bowlers came out firing, reducing Afghanistan to 9 for 2 within three overs. Blessing Muzarabani’s pace and bounce had Sediqullah Atal and Zubaid Akbari back in the dugout early.
When Rahmanullah Gurbaz (17) and Darwish Rasooli (13) fell in quick succession, Afghanistan were 45 for 4, and Zimbabwe sensed an opportunity.
Sikandar Raza and Trevor Gwandu applied further pressure with tight spells, but one costly over from Faraz Akram turned the tide.
Omarzai and Nabi Steady Afghanistan’s Ship
Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib combined to add a crucial 48-run stand, stabilizing Afghanistan’s innings after the top-order collapse. Omarzai’s calm knock of 34 off 37 included well-placed boundaries, while Naib contributed 22.
Just when Zimbabwe seemed to claw back, Mohammad Nabi’s experience shone through. Needing 12 off nine balls, Nabi’s clever dab for four and a boundary off the first ball of the final over sealed Afghanistan’s victory with three balls to spare.
Takeaways and Series Recap
- Rashid Khan continues to prove why he is Afghanistan’s talisman, dismantling Zimbabwe’s middle order with a four-wicket haul.
- Brian Bennett remains Zimbabwe’s brightest prospect, emerging as the highest run-scorer of the series.
- Afghanistan’s win underscores their dominance over Zimbabwe in T20Is, as they secured their sixth consecutive bilateral series victory.
Zimbabwe, though competitive in patches, will need to address their inconsistencies, particularly in the field, where 17 extras proved costly.
Score Summary
Zimbabwe: 127 in 19.3 overs (Bennett 31, Rashid 4-27, Omarzai 2-10, Mujeeb 2-20)
Afghanistan: 128 for 7 in 19.3 overs (Omarzai 34, Nabi 24*, Muzarabani 2-19, Raza 2-19)
