AFG vs ZIM (3rd T20) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 3rd T20I between Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, played on December 14, 2024, in Harare as part of Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe. The match was a closely fought contest that saw Afghanistan clinch a nail-biting victory by 3 wickets with three balls to spare. Zimbabwe set a modest target of 128, but their bowlers made it challenging for the visitors. Despite the pressure, Afghanistan’s lower order held their nerve to secure the win, sealing the series in style.
Afghanistan scraped through to a thrilling victory, outlasting Zimbabwe by 3 wickets with just three deliveries remaining, sealing both the match and the series in dramatic fashion. Zimbabwe, batting first, managed a modest total of 127 runs. Afghanistan’s bowlers kept the hosts in check, with standout performances from their spinners.
In reply, Afghanistan’s pursuit turned into a nail-biter, with Zimbabwe’s bowlers striking at crucial intervals to keep the pressure on. However, a composed lower-order contribution ensured Afghanistan crossed the line at 128/7 in 19.3 overs. The victory highlighted Afghanistan’s resilience under pressure.
ZIM innings in the 3rd T20I against AFG showcased a mix of promise and struggle as they were bowled out for 127 in 19.5 overs. Openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett began cautiously, with Marumani falling early for 6 off Naveen-ul-Haq in the first over. Brian Bennett (31 off 24) anchored the innings briefly, striking four boundaries before being dismissed by Azmatullah Omarzai.
Dion Myers (13 off 12) and Wessly Madhevere (21 off 22) added valuable runs, but neither could capitalize on their starts, as Afghanistan’s spinners began to tighten the screws. Captain Sikandar Raza struggled to find his rhythm, scoring just 6 before falling to Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Rashid Khan then dismantled the middle and lower order, claiming 4 wickets for 27 runs in a brilliant display of leg-spin bowling. He was ably supported by Mujeeb (2/20) and Naveen-ul-Haq (2/27), who picked up crucial wickets at regular intervals.
Zimbabwe’s lower-order contributions, including 17 from Wellington Masakadza and 12 from Tashinga Musekiwa, pushed the total past 120, but it fell short of a competitive score.
Afghanistan’s bowlers were disciplined throughout, with Mohammad Nabi’s economical spell (0/13 in 3 overs) complementing the attacking efforts. Zimbabwe’s batting ultimately lacked the partnerships needed to post a stronger target.
Afghanistan chased down the target of 128 with three balls to spare, scoring 128/7 in 19.3 overs, in a tense finish against Zimbabwe. Sediqullah Atal (3), Zubaid Akbari (2), and Darwish Rasooli (9) fell cheaply, leaving Afghanistan at 33/3 in 5.2 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz contributed 15 before being trapped lbw by Trevor Gwandu, furthering Afghanistan’s troubles at 44/4.
Azmatullah Omarzai played a crucial anchor role, scoring 34 off 37 with three boundaries, stabilizing the innings alongside Gulbadin Naib (22 off 22). The duo added a vital 48-run partnership before Sikandar Raza dismissed both, reducing Afghanistan to 114/6.
Mohammad Nabi took charge in the death overs, scoring a composed 24* off 18 balls with three boundaries, guiding his team to victory. Extras proved costly for Zimbabwe, as 16 wides were conceded.
For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani and Sikandar Raza were the standout bowlers, each claiming 2 wickets for 19 runs in their 4-over spells, while Trevor Gwandu also chipped in with 2 wickets. Despite a spirited bowling effort, Afghanistan held their nerve to secure the win.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Scoreboard
Zimbabwe– 127
Afghanistan – 128/7(19.3//20)
Result – Afghanistan won by 3 wickets (with 3 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Azmatullah Omarzai
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Playing XI
Zimbabwe
Tadiwanashe Marumani(WK), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza(C), Faraz Akram, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu
Afghanistan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz(WK), Sediqullah Atal, Zubaid Akbari, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan(C), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi