Harare, Oct 29 (UNI) Afghanistan began their tour of Zimbabwe in emphatic fashion, clinching a commanding 53-run victory in the first T20 International at the Harare Sports Club today.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan posted a challenging total of 180 for six in 20 overs, powered by half-century from Ibrahim Zadran (52 off 33 balls) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (39 off 25). The duo added 76 runs for the opening wicket, giving Afghanistan a flying start in the Powerplay.
Despite a mid-innings wobble triggered by Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza’s triple strike (3/20), late cameos from Shahidullah (22 not out off 13) and captain Rashid Khan (8 not out off 5) ensured a strong finish.
For Zimbabwe, (3/20) Raza was the standout with the ball, while Blessing Muzarabani picked up two wickets but leaked 41 runs in four overs.
In reply, Zimbabwe’s batting lineup crumbled against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack and was bundled out for 127 in 16.1 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai (3/29) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (4/20) ripped through the top and middle order, leaving the hosts reeling at 30 for five five overs. Despite a late flourish from Tinotenda Maposa (32 off 15) and Brad Evans (24 off 19), Zimbabwe never recovered from the early collapse.
Afghanistan’s all-round performance highlighted their growing depth and adaptability in T20 cricket, while Zimbabwe will look to regroup quickly ahead of the second match at the same venue.
Brief Scores:
Afghanistan 180/6 in 20 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 52, Gurbaz 39, Raza 3/20, Muzarabani 2/41)
Zimbabwe 127 all out in 16.1 overs (Maposa 32, Bennett 24, Mujeeb 4/20, Omarzai 3/29)
Result: Afghanistan won by 53 runs.
