Afghanistan Beat Zimbabwe to level T20 Series
Darwish Rasooli struck his first international fifty, while Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan took three wickets each as Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by 50 runs on Friday in Harare, leveling their T20 series with one match left.
Afghanistan, who narrowly lost the first match on Wednesday, won the toss and set a target of 154, finishing at 153-6 from 20 overs. Rasooli, returning to the lineup, top-scored with 58 runs, including one six and six fours from 42 balls. Contributions from Azmatullah Omarzai (28) and Gulbadin Naib (26 not out) added to the total. Zimbabwe’s Ryan Burl and Trevor Gwandu each claimed two wickets.
In response, Zimbabwe’s innings faltered early, with opener Brian Bennett scoring 27 and captain Sikandar Raza adding 35. However, apart from Tashinga Musekiwa (11), no other batter reached double figures as the hosts were bowled out for 103 in 17.4 overs.
Naveen-ul-Haq (3-19) and Rashid Khan (3-20) were instrumental in dismantling Zimbabwe’s lineup, supported by Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2-30).
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan praised Rasooli’s performance and his team’s improved bowling. “We are still struggling to establish a strong top order, but the way Darwish played was very impressive,” he said.
Zimbabwe captain Raza expressed frustration with their batting struggles. “Our Achilles heel was once again our batting. It was a better wicket than on Wednesday, and we were confident we could reach the target. That is why this loss hurts so much.”
The decisive final match of the series takes place at Harare Sports Club on Saturday, with three ODIs and two Tests to follow.
(Source: AFP)
