Afghanistan outclassed Zimbabwe by 53 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series in Harare. Afghanistan posted 180/6 in 20 overs, with the help of a superb half-century by Ibrahim Zadran. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Shahidullah also contributed useful knocks that helped Afghanistan reach a strong total.

While chasing, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (4/20 in 3 overs) and Azmatullah Omarzai (3/29 in 4 overs) wreaked havoc on Zimbabwe’s batting lineup, reducing them to 30/5 after just five overs. The spin brilliance of Mujeeb and the all-round performance of Omarzai sealed the match, as Zimbabwe collapsed cheaply in their chase of 180. Tiniotenda Maposa played a fiery knock toward the end and finished as Zimbabwe’s top scorer.

Strong Start with the Bat

Afghanistan’s openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, began cautiously but soon shifted gears. They scored just six runs off the first eleven balls before finding rhythm. Gurbaz struck consecutive boundaries off Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans, while Ibrahim punished loose deliveries from Blessing Muzarabani.

By the end of the powerplay, Afghanistan had reached 63 for no loss, showing total control. Gurbaz looked dangerous before getting out to Sikandar Raza for 39. Ibrahim carried on, reaching his fifty off just 31 balls with two crisp fours off Ryan Burl.

However, Raza turned the game briefly with a double strike in the 12th over, removing Ibrahim and Darwish Rasooli in consecutive deliveries. Afghanistan slipped from 101 for 1 to 101 for 3, momentarily losing their momentum.

Late Charge Restores Control

After Raza’s twin breakthroughs, Afghanistan struggled to find boundaries. For almost four overs, they scored only singles. Sediqullah Atal broke the silence with a six off Maposa but soon fell to Muzarabani, who also trapped Mohammad Nabi for a duck in the same over.

At 130 for 5, Afghanistan risked falling short. However, Omarzai and Shahidullah steadied the innings with a smart counterattack. Omarzai scored 27 off 21 balls, and Shahidullah added 22 not out off 13. Their 32-run partnership lifted the team to a strong total.

Rashid Khan finished the innings in style, smashing the last ball for six as Afghanistan ended at 180 for 7, with 50 runs coming in the final four overs.

Early Collapse Ends Zimbabwe’s Hopes

Zimbabwe’s chase began with some promise when Brian Bennett hit three boundaries in the first over. But that brief fightback ended quickly. Mujeeb Ur Rahman dismissed Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brendan Taylor in consecutive balls with clever variations, putting Zimbabwe on the back foot at once.

Azmatullah Omarzai then joined the attack, taking out Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl in the same over. Bennett’s cameo of 24 off 13 was the only highlight at the top before he also fell to Omarzai.

With half the side gone inside six overs, Zimbabwe’s chase collapsed completely. They recorded their worst-ever powerplay, losing five wickets before even reaching 40 runs.

Mujeeb Seals the Win

Afghanistan’s bowlers maintained pressure through the middle overs. Abdollah Ahmadzai struck twice and also produced a brilliant run-out, while Mujeeb continued to baffle the batters with his spin and control.

Though Maposa and Brad Evans resisted with a quick 50-run stand, it only delayed the inevitable. Mujeeb wrapped up the innings by taking two wickets in one over, finishing with 4 wickets, while Ahmadzai ended the game by bowling Muzarabani.