NEW DELHI: Spinner Rashid Khan and opener Ibrahim Zadran were the standout performers as Afghanistan clinched a decisive seven-wicket win against Zimbabwe on Friday, sealing the three-match T20I series 2-0 with one game left to play.
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe chose to bat first at the Harare Sports Club but were bowled out for 125. (Image credit: Zimbabwe Cricket)
Zimbabwe, after winning the toss and electing to bat first at the Harare Sports Club, were dismissed for just 125 runs. Afghanistan then comfortably chased down the target, reaching 129/3 with 12 balls remaining.
This victory marks a strong rebound for the visitors after their significant loss in the one-off Test match earlier in the week. They had already established a 1-0 lead in the series with a 53-run win in the opening T20 on Wednesday. The final match, now a dead rubber, is scheduled for Sunday.
Rashid Khan spearheaded the bowling attack with an exceptional spell, taking 3 wickets for only 9 runs. His crucial dismissals included Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, who was the top-scorer with 37 runs off 32 balls (including 4 fours). Raza was caught and bowled while attempting to drive a delivery angled towards the off stump, providing the Afghan skipper with a vital breakthrough.
Just three deliveries later in the 16th over, Khan struck again, sending Tashinga Musekiwa (13) back to the pavilion with a clever googly, caught by Mohammad Nabi at long-on. Their 24-run partnership for the sixth wicket proved to be Zimbabwe’s most significant stand after early failures from Dion Myers (6) and Brendan Taylor (3).
Rashid’s final victim was Brad Evans (12), who was trapped leg before wicket while attempting a sweep, as Zimbabwe struggled to add crucial late runs.
In response, Ibrahim Zadran once again anchored Afghanistan’s chase, remaining unbeaten on 57 runs off 51 balls. This was his 12th T20I half-century, building on his 52 runs from the first match. His innings, which included seven fours, ensured Afghanistan maintained control throughout the chase.
Azmatullah Omarzai (19*) sealed the victory for Afghanistan, hitting the winning boundary past long-off to complete a convincing series triumph.