Cricket Highlights, Dec 13: Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe (2nd T20) – Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe

AFG vs ZIM (2nd T20) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the highlights of the 2nd T20I match between AFG and ZIM, held in Harare on December 13, 2024, as part of Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe. Afghanistan showcased a strong all-round performance, posting a competitive total of 153/6 and then dismantling Zimbabwe’s batting lineup for just 103 runs in 17.4 overs. This emphatic 50-run victory highlighted Afghanistan’s dominance and strategic brilliance in the shorter format of the game.

Batting first, AFG posted 153/6, with notable contributions from their middle order. Zimbabwe struggled in their chase, collapsing to 103 all out in 17.4 overs. Afghanistan’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, ensuring a comprehensive win to clinch the match.

Afghanistan’s innings in the 2nd T20I against Zimbabwe was marked by a solid batting effort led by Darwish Rasooli. Opening the innings, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (11 off 11) and Sediqullah Atal (18 off 12) provided a brisk start but fell in quick succession, leaving the team at 33/3 within the powerplay. Zubaid Akbari was dismissed cheaply via a run-out, adding pressure early on.

Darwish Rasooli anchored the innings with a brilliant 58 off 42 balls, smashing six boundaries and one six to steady the ship. He found support from Azmatullah Omarzai (28 off 23), who contributed valuable runs in the middle overs. Despite a brief slump with Mohammad Nabi (4 off 7) falling cheaply, Gulbadin Naib provided a late flourish with a handy 26* off 21 balls, including three boundaries. Skipper Rashid Khan chipped in with an unbeaten 3 off 2 to push the total to a competitive 153/6.

ZIM bowlers had moments of success, with Trevor Gwandu (2/29) and Ryan Burl (2/16) being the pick of the bowlers. Blessing Muzarabani (1/28) also bowled economically, but the team conceded crucial runs at the death, allowing Afghanistan to set a challenging target.

Zimbabwe’s chase of 154 in the 2nd T20I against Afghanistan faltered under relentless pressure from the Afghan bowlers, as they were bundled out for 103 in 17.4 overs. The innings started on a shaky note, with Tadiwanashe Marumani (5) and Dion Myers (4) falling early, leaving the hosts at 25/2. 

Brian Bennett showed resilience with 27 off 26, including two boundaries and a six, but wickets fell around him. Wessly Madhevere (4) and skipper Sikandar Raza (35 off 30) tried to stabilize the innings, but their efforts were undone by Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling.

Naveen-ul-Haq (3/19) was outstanding, claiming key wickets, including Marumani and Raza. Rashid Khan (3/20) showcased his brilliance with crucial strikes, dismissing Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, and Richard Ngarava. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/30) also contributed significantly by removing Bennett and Madhevere. The lower order offered little resistance, with only Tashinga Musekiwa (13 off 10) showing some intent, but the Zimbabwean batting collapsed under the sustained attack, falling 50 runs short of the target.

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Scoreboard

Afghanistan – 153/6

Zimbabwe– 103(17.4/20)

Result – Afghanistan won by 50 runs

Player of the Match – Darwish Rasooli

AFG vs ZIM Playing XI

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz(WK), Sediqullah Atal, Zubaid Akbari, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan(C), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fareed Ahmad

Zimbabwe

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani(WK), Dion Myers, Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza(C), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

Disclaimer: This Highlights is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.

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