Afghanistan clinched the three-match T20 series 2-1 by defeating Zimbabwe by three wickets in the deciding match. Chasing a target of 128 runs, Afghanistan secured victory with three balls to spare.
At the Harare Sports Club, Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bowl first. Zimbabwe’s batting lineup struggled from the start against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Afghan bowlers Azmatullah Omarzai and Mujeeb Ur Rahman delivered excellent spells, putting Zimbabwe under early pressure. Rashid Khan later worked his magic with spin, further tightening the grip on the middle and lower order. As a result, Zimbabwe’s innings ended at 127 in 19.5 overs.
For Zimbabwe, opener Brian Bennett scored 31 runs, while Wesley Madhevere added 21. Rashid Khan was Afghanistan’s standout bowler, claiming 4 wickets. Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Azmatullah Omarzai each took 2 wickets.
In response, Afghanistan faced some early setbacks, losing 4 wickets for just 44 runs. However, a 48-run partnership between Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai for the fifth wicket turned the game in Afghanistan’s favor. Azmatullah top-scored with 34 runs, while Gulbadin contributed 22.
Zimbabwean captain Sikandar Raza took two wickets, setting a record of 79 T20 wickets. Despite his efforts, it wasn’t enough to secure a win for Zimbabwe. Mohammad Nabi played a crucial unbeaten knock, scoring 24 runs off 18 balls with three boundaries, to guide Afghanistan to victory and seal the series 2-1.
