Afghanistan secured a thrilling six-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in their T20 International clash at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday. The Afghans chased down Zimbabwe’s total of 157 all out in 19.3 overs, with Hazratullah Zazai top-scoring with 60 off 31 balls. Zimbabwe, who won the toss and elected to bat first, posted a competitive 157 thanks to a half-century from Regis Chakabva, who scored 50 off 35 balls. The match, part of a three-game series, saw Afghanistan’s victory level the series at 1-1. The Afghans will look to seal the series in the final match, scheduled for Thursday.
Afghanistan Secures Victory with 62-Run Margin in T20 Showdown
Afghanistan secured a commanding 62-run victory over Zimbabwe in a thrilling T20 international at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The hosts posted a formidable total of 189-5, with Hazratullah Zazai smashing a blistering 67 off 37 balls. In reply, Zimbabwe fell short, managing only 127 all out in 19.2 overs.
Zazai’s explosive innings set the tone for Afghanistan’s strong start. The opener’s six fours and four sixes provided the foundation for a competitive total. Najibullah Zadran contributed a quickfire 42 off 23 balls, further accelerating the scoring.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack then took centre stage, restricting Zimbabwe to a below-par total. Naveen-ul-Haq was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3-22 in his four overs. Mujeeb Ur Rahman also chipped in with 2-21, maintaining pressure throughout Zimbabwe’s innings.
Zimbabwe’s chase lacked momentum from the outset, with regular wickets stifling their progress. Only two batsmen reached double figures, with Regis Chakabva top-scoring with 32 off 38 balls. Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling and fielding ensured Zimbabwe never gained significant momentum.
The victory extends Afghanistan’s impressive form in T20 internationals. Captain Asghar Afghan praised his team’s all-round effort, highlighting the contributions of both bat and ball. The win consolidates Afghanistan’s position as a formidable force in the shortest format of the game.
Zimbabwe Struggles as Afghanistan Dominates with Bat and Ball
Afghanistan secured a commanding 62-run victory over Zimbabwe in a thrilling T20 clash at the Harare Sports Club. The Afghan batsmen put on a stellar display, posting an imposing total of 205/5 in their 20 overs. Zimbabwe, in reply, fell short at 143 all out, with Afghanistan’s bowlers maintaining relentless pressure throughout the innings.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s strong total, opening the innings with a blistering partnership. Gurbaz scored a rapid 43 off 25 balls, while Zazai contributed a swift 32 off 19 deliveries. The middle order, led by Mohammad Nabi’s 45 not out off 28 balls, ensured Afghanistan maintained a brisk scoring rate.
Zimbabwe’s chase began promisingly, with openers Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Tadiwanashe Marumani putting on 42 runs for the first wicket. However, Afghanistan’s spinners, led by Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan, turned the tide, taking crucial wickets to derail Zimbabwe’s progress. Mujeeb finished with figures of 3/24, while Rashid claimed 2/21.
Afghanistan’s victory was built on a strong all-round performance, with both bat and ball contributing significantly. The team’s fielding was also noteworthy, with several sharp catches and agile stops under pressure. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will need to reflect on their batting collapse, which saw them lose 7 wickets for just 34 runs in a critical middle overs phase.
The match highlighted Afghanistan’s growing prowess in the T20 format, with their aggressive brand of cricket posing challenges for the opposition. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will be looking to regroup and address their batting frailties ahead of their next encounter. The victory also marked Afghanistan’s third consecutive win in the series, consolidating their position at the top of the standings.
Afghanistan's Bowlers Restrict Zimbabwe to 128 in Thrilling T20 Chase
Afghanistan’s bowlers delivered a masterclass, restricting Zimbabwe to 128 runs in a thrilling T20 chase at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The Afghans won by 62 runs, with their bowlers maintaining tight control throughout Zimbabwe’s innings.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman set the tone early, dismissing Zimbabwe’s openers with his clever variations. He finished with impressive figures of 3-19, stifling Zimbabwe’s scoring opportunities.
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner, continued his excellent form, taking 2-25. His ability to turn the ball sharply and deceive batsmen with his googlies proved decisive.
Afghanistan’s pacers also played their part, with Naveen-ul-Haq and Fareed Ahmad sharing three wickets between them. Their accurate lines and lengths made scoring difficult for the Zimbabwean batsmen.
Zimbabwe’s innings lacked momentum, with only Sikandar Raza offering resistance with a fighting 45 not out. The rest of the batting lineup struggled against Afghanistan’s varied attack.
Earlier, Afghanistan had posted a competitive 190-5, with Ibrahim Zadran top-scoring with 52. The Afghans’ total proved too challenging for Zimbabwe to chase down under pressure.
Najibullah Zadran Shines with Century as Afghanistan Posts 190
Afghanistan secured a thrilling 62-run victory over Zimbabwe in their T20 international clash at the Harare Sports Club. The Afghan team posted an impressive 190 runs for the loss of six wickets in their 20 overs, with Najibullah Zadran playing a pivotal role.
Najibullah Zadran scored a brilliant century, remaining not out on 104 runs off 58 balls. His innings included 12 boundaries and three sixes, providing the backbone of Afghanistan’s strong total. Captain Gulbadin Naib praised Zadran’s performance, stating, “Najibullah played exceptionally well. His knock set the foundation for our innings.”
Zimbabwe’s chase began promisingly, but they faltered in the middle overs, eventually being dismissed for 128 runs in 19.3 overs. Afghanistan’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan taking two wickets each. The victory marks Afghanistan’s third consecutive win in the series.
Key moments included Zimbabwe’s early loss of wickets, with both openers dismissed within the first five overs. Afghanistan’s fielding was sharp, with several crucial run-outs turning the tide in their favour. The match drew a decent crowd, with spectators appreciating the competitive spirit displayed by both teams.
T20 Clash Ends in Afghanistan's Favour Despite Late Zimbabwean Fightback
Afghanistan secured a 62-run victory over Zimbabwe in a thrilling T20 international at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The Afghan team posted a challenging total of 186-8 in their 20 overs, with Hazratullah Zazai top-scoring with 59 runs off 32 balls. Zimbabwe, in response, fell short at 124 all out in 18.3 overs.
Zazai’s explosive innings set the tone for Afghanistan’s innings, with the opener smashing six fours and four sixes. Captain Mohammad Nabi contributed a crucial 35 runs off 22 balls, accelerating the scoring rate in the middle overs. Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, led by Blessing Muzarabani, struggled to contain the Afghan batsmen.
In pursuit of 187, Zimbabwe’s top order faltered against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Only captain Craig Ervine offered resistance with a fighting 47 off 38 balls, but his efforts were not enough to steer his team to victory. Afghanistan’s spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-17 in his four overs.
The victory marks Afghanistan’s third consecutive win in the ongoing T20 series against Zimbabwe. The Afghan team now leads the three-match series 2-0, with one match remaining. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their performance and will look to bounce back in the final encounter.
Afghanistan’s victory over Zimbabwe by 62 runs marks a significant moment in their T20 cricket journey. The win not only highlights their growing prowess in the shortest format but also sets a positive tone for their upcoming fixtures. With this confidence boost, Afghanistan will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next challenge. The performance also underscores the competitive nature of T20 cricket, where any team can rise to the occasion on their day. As both teams continue their campaigns, fans can expect more thrilling encounters on the cricket field.
