Afghanistan outclassed Zimbabwe by 9 runs in the third T20I of the three-match series in Harare. After deciding to bat first, Afghanistan posted a massive total of 210/3 in 20 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a superb, blazing knock but missed his century by just 8 runs. Ibrahim Zadran also scored a quick half-century, while Sediqullah Atal’s explosive cameo at the end pushed Afghanistan past 200. Brad Evans (2/33 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for Zimbabwe.
While chasing, Zimbabwe lost two early wickets, but Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett built a fiery partnership that revived their hopes. However, once both were dismissed, Ryan Burl and Tashinga Musekiwa tried their best, but their efforts fell short as Zimbabwe lost the match by 9 runs. With this victory, Afghanistan completed a clean sweep of the series 3-0.
Gurbaz and Ibrahim dominate the powerplay
Wellington Masakadza’s first over set the tone. Gurbaz punished him for 19 runs, showcasing a mix of wristy paddles and fearless lofted shots. He began with a fine sweep for four, then stepped down the pitch to smash a towering six over the sightscreen. When Masakadza adjusted, Gurbaz stayed deep and carved a boundary past point before paddling again past short fine leg.
Every Zimbabwe bowler then suffered the same fate. Richard Ngarava’s short delivery was pulled confidently, and Brad Evans dropped a return catch off his own bowling. Gurbaz looked unstoppable.
In the fourth over, Tinotenda Maposa faced Ibrahim Zadran in full rhythm. Ibrahim hit four consecutive boundaries — through midwicket, mid-off, square, and cover — displaying superb timing. At the end of the powerplay, Afghanistan had raced to 73 for no loss, their third-highest total after six overs.
Gurbaz’s fireworks and Atal’s cameo lift Afghanistan to 210
After the fiery start, Afghanistan played smartly to maintain control. Sikandar Raza brought himself into the attack and bowled with discipline, conceding only 20 runs in four overs. But from the other end, the flow of runs continued.
Ryan Burl’s 14th over proved costly, going for 30 runs. Gurbaz began it with a paddle over fine leg, followed by a straight drive past the bowler. When Burl went wider, Gurbaz danced down and lofted over long-off, then picked up another over cow corner. He sliced one through extra cover and ended with a flat six over long-on.
At 155 for no loss after 15 overs, Afghanistan were in full command. Raza finally broke the stand with a brilliant running catch off Ngarava’s slower delivery. Gurbaz departed for a breathtaking 92 off 48 balls, smashing eight fours and five sixes. Ibrahim soon followed for 60, beaten by Evans’ clever slower ball.
In the final overs, Sediqullah Atal took charge. He struck three sixes in an unbeaten 35 off just 15 balls, powering Afghanistan to 210 for 3 — a daunting total for Zimbabwe.
Raza and Bennett fight back for Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s reply started poorly. Dion Myers was run out carelessly, and Brendan Taylor chipped one to mid-on inside the powerplay. With the score at 19 for 2, the home side needed inspiration. Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett then stepped up to revive the chase.
Raza attacked anything short, pulling and carving through the gaps. He hammered Fazalhaq Farooqi over square leg and sliced Fareed Ahmad through cover point. Bennett matched him with creativity, ramping Fareed over fine leg and driving elegantly past mid-off. Their 85-run stand off 48 balls brought the Harare crowd to life.
Raza reached his half-century in 28 balls but fell in unfortunate fashion. His sweep off Mohammad Nabi deflected from his glove onto the pad and then onto the stumps. Bennett followed soon after, mistiming a shot to mid-off for 47. Zimbabwe slipped to 126 for 4 in the 13th over.
Fareed and Ahmadzai seal the victory
Tashinga Musekiwa and Ryan Burl kept Zimbabwe’s hopes alive with aggressive batting. Burl smashed three sixes, while Musekiwa played crisp shots through mid-off and midwicket. Even after Burl’s dismissal for 37 off 15 balls, Zimbabwe remained in the chase.
However, the game turned in the 18th over when Fareed Ahmad struck twice. He bowled Clive Madande and had Brad Evans brilliantly caught by Gurbaz. Farooqi followed with a tight 19th over, giving away only 10 runs and leaving 18 needed from the final over.
Abdollah Ahmadzai handled the pressure perfectly. His first ball was a perfect yorker. The next one swung in sharply to bowl Tinotenda Maposa. On the last delivery, Ngarava’s flick went high to square leg, where Mujeeb Ur Rahman juggled but held on. Zimbabwe were bowled out, and Afghanistan clinched a thrilling nine-run win.