AFG vs ZIM (3rd T20I) – Highlights
In a high-octane encounter at Harare, AFG outlasted ZIM by nine runs in the third and final T20I, sealing the series with another display of batting power and composure under pressure. The contest turned into a boundary-hitting spectacle as both sides crossed the 200-run mark, but it was Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s fireworks that shaped the outcome.
Gurbaz, who was later named Player of the Match, produced a dazzling 92 off just 48 deliveries, a knock filled with eight fours and five sixes that left the Harare crowd both thrilled and deflated. His opening partnership with skipper Ibrahim Zadran set the perfect tone for Afghanistan’s innings. The duo added 159 runs in just 15.4 overs, dominating the Zimbabwean bowlers with audacious strokeplay and near-flawless timing. Zadran, steady yet assertive, contributed a well-compiled 60 off 49 balls, while young Sediqullah Atal provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 35 off 15 as Afghanistan stormed to a commanding 210 for 3.
ZIM bowlers were left searching for answers. Brad Evans’ two wickets provided momentary relief, but every other option leaked runs. Raza’s usually reliable spin went wicketless despite his tidy economy, and the pace trio of Ngarava, Maposa, and Burl struggled to contain the Afghan onslaught. At the halfway mark, Zimbabwe’s hopes rested on a miracle chase—and their top order nearly produced one.
In response, Zimbabwe began shakily, losing Dion Myers and veteran Brendan Taylor early to incisive bowling from Farooqi and sharp fielding in the ring. But the home side’s fightback was led by Captain Sikandar Raza and the emerging Brian Bennett. Raza played with characteristic fearlessness, smashing 51 off 29 balls with seven fours and two sixes, while Bennett’s 47 from 31 deliveries kept the asking rate within sight. Their counterattack reignited Harare’s hopes and pushed Afghanistan’s bowlers to the brink.
The turning point came when Raza fell to Mohammad Nabi just as Zimbabwe were finding momentum. Ryan Burl’s explosive 37 off 15 balls briefly rekindled belief, but his dismissal at a crucial juncture left too much for the lower order to do. Despite valiant efforts from Musekiwa and Masakadza, Zimbabwe closed at 201 all out, nine runs short of a memorable chase.
AFG bowling card reflected their collective resilience. Fazalhaq Farooqi’s sharp swing earned him two wickets, while young Abdollah Ahmadzai impressed with a three-wicket haul that broke Zimbabwe’s middle-order surge. Fareed Ahmad chipped in with two vital wickets, and Mujeeb’s control through the middle overs ensured the target remained just out of reach for the hosts.
The series once again underscored Afghanistan’s growing maturity as a T20 unit. Ibrahim Zadran, named Player of the Series for his consistent batting displays, has emerged as both a dependable leader and a dynamic anchor. For Zimbabwe, there were flashes of brilliance, especially from Raza and Bennett but lapses in death bowling and fielding cost them dearly across all three matches.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Scoreboard
Afghanistan – 210/3 (20)
Zimbabwe – 201/10 (20)
Result – Afghanistan won by 9 runs
Player of the Match – Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
AFG vs ZIM Playing XIs
Afghanistan | Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (c), Sediqullah Atal, Shahidullah, Mohammad Nabi, Darwish Rasooli, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad, Abdollah Ahmadzai. |
Zimbabwe | Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Clive Madande, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava. |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
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