Zimbabwe Kickstarts the T20I Series with a Commanding Win Over Afghanistan.
Afghanistan began their tour of Zimbabwe with a three-match T20I series, followed by three ODIs and two Test matches. The first T20I took place on December 11th at the Harare Sports Club. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first.
Afghanistan Innings
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal opened the innings for Afghanistan. However, Richard Ngarava struck early, dismissing Gurbaz on just the third ball of the match. Hazratullah Zazai came in to steady the innings but could not make a significant impact.
Trevor Gwandu then dismissed Sediqullah, and soon Mohammad Ishaq was removed by Ngarava, leaving Afghanistan in serious trouble with frequent wicket losses. In the middle order, Karim Janat and Mohammad Nabi stepped up to stabilize the innings. Their composed batting brought some respite, with Karim Janat completing a crucial half-century.
With their contributions, Afghanistan managed to post a respectable total of 144 runs for the loss of six wickets. Richard Ngarava was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets, while Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, and Wellington Masakadza each picked up one wicket.
Zimbabwe Innings
Chasing a target of 145 runs, Zimbabwe started their innings with Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani opening the batting. However, Naveen-ul-Haq quickly struck, removing Marumani in the third over.
Brian Bennett showed resilience, building a steady partnership with Dion Myers, who contributed effectively to the chase. Both batters laid a solid foundation before losing their wickets.
Zimbabwe’s middle-order batters chipped in with short but valuable contributions, ensuring the team stayed on track for the target. Despite Afghanistan’s bowlers, particularly Naveen-ul-Haq, who claimed three wickets, and Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, who added two and one wickets, Zimbabwe successfully chased the target with ease.
With this victory, Zimbabwe began the series on a high note, showcasing their determination to take on the visiting Afghan team.
Zimbabwe Kickstarts the T20I Series with a Commanding Win Over Afghanistan.
Afghanistan began their tour of Zimbabwe with a three-match T20I series, followed by three ODIs and two Test matches. The first T20I took place on December 11th at the Harare Sports Club. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first.
Afghanistan Innings
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sediqullah Atal opened the innings for Afghanistan. However, Richard Ngarava struck early, dismissing Gurbaz on just the third ball of the match. Hazratullah Zazai came in to steady the innings but could not make a significant impact.
Trevor Gwandu then dismissed Sediqullah, and soon Mohammad Ishaq was removed by Ngarava, leaving Afghanistan in serious trouble with frequent wicket losses. In the middle order, Karim Janat and Mohammad Nabi stepped up to stabilize the innings. Their composed batting brought some respite, with Karim Janat completing a crucial half-century.
With their contributions, Afghanistan managed to post a respectable total of 144 runs for the loss of six wickets. Richard Ngarava was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets, while Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, and Wellington Masakadza each picked up one wicket.
Zimbabwe Innings
Chasing a target of 145 runs, Zimbabwe started their innings with Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani opening the batting. However, Naveen-ul-Haq quickly struck, removing Marumani in the third over.
Brian Bennett showed resilience, building a steady partnership with Dion Myers, who contributed effectively to the chase. Both batters laid a solid foundation before losing their wickets.
Zimbabwe’s middle-order batters chipped in with short but valuable contributions, ensuring the team stayed on track for the target. Despite Afghanistan’s bowlers, particularly Naveen-ul-Haq, who claimed three wickets, and Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, who added two and one wickets, Zimbabwe successfully chased the target with ease.
With this victory, Zimbabwe began the series on a high note, showcasing their determination to take on the visiting Afghan team.
Zimbabwe Captain (Craig Ervine):
“We’re really happy with how the team performed today. The bowlers set the tone right from the start, especially Richard [Ngarava], who was outstanding with the ball. The way we restricted Afghanistan to 144 was crucial, and credit goes to the entire bowling unit. With the bat, it was a collective effort. Even though we lost wickets at times, the middle order showed composure to get us over the line. It’s a good start to the series, and we’re hoping to carry this momentum forward.”
Zimbabwe edge past Afghanistan in a thriller that went right down to the wire 🏏
📝 #ZIMvAFG: https://t.co/fJLAM7HkvH pic.twitter.com/pPjkQsvMI8
— ICC (@ICC) December 11, 2024