Afghanistan Defeats Zimbabwe by 3 Wickets to Win T20 Series 2-1

In a series-deciding match, Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by 3 wickets, clinching the three-match T20 series 2-1. Chasing a modest target of 128, Afghanistan achieved the target with three balls to spare, securing a crucial victory.

The match took place at the Harare Sports Club, where Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bowl first. Zimbabwe's batting crumbled under pressure, with wickets falling regularly. The highest run-scorer for Zimbabwe was Brian Bennett, who made 31 runs off 24 balls, including 4 boundaries. Wesley Madhevere contributed 21 runs, and the lower order chipped in with some valuable runs, including 17 from Masakadza.

Zimbabwe managed to score only 127 runs, and Afghanistan's bowlers were in control throughout. Rashid Khan was the standout performer with the ball, taking 4 wickets. Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Azmatullah Omarzai also took 2 wickets each, ensuring Zimbabwe's batting collapse.

Afghanistan's chase, however, didn't start smoothly. They lost 2 wickets for just 7 runs, and then lost 2 more wickets at 44, putting them under pressure. However, a crucial partnership of 48 runs between Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai steadied the ship. Naib was dismissed for 22, and Azmatullah was out for 34, both dismissed by Sikandar Raza.

With the game still in the balance, Mohammad Nabi played a match-winning knock, scoring 24 runs off 18 balls with 3 boundaries. Nabi's calm and composed finish guided Afghanistan to victory, helping them chase down the target with three balls remaining.

With this win, Afghanistan secured the series 2-1 and demonstrated resilience in a tense encounter.