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Afghanistan hammered Zimbabwe by 53 runs in the first T20I, taking an early lead in the series. The victory was built on a disciplined batting performance, where the openers helped post a strong total of 180, thanks to Ibrahim Zadran's brilliant 52. This was followed by a destructive bowling display from Azmatullah Omarzai and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who wrecked the home side's batting line-up, dismissing them for just 127.
Afghanistan draw first blood with 53-run win over Zimbabwe in 1st T20I
The difference between the two sides was evident from the very start of each innings. Earlier in the day, Afghanistan's openers laid the perfect platform for the visitors, compiling a patient and effective 76-run partnership for the first wicket. This solid foundation was something Zimbabwe desperately needed but failed to achieve. In a stark contrast, the hosts would later lose their entire top five for a mere 30 runs, highlighting the disparity in their starts.
Mujeeb and Omarzai dismantle Zimbabwe's top order
Zimbabwe's run-chase began with a complete horror show. The hosts were given no breathing space as Mujeeb Ur Rahman struck with successive deliveries in just the second over, claiming two wickets, including the prized scalp of veteran Brendan Taylor. The collapse intensified in the very next over as Azmatullah Omarzai got into the act, striking twice himself. Before Zimbabwe could mount any recovery, Omarzai claimed his third victim, opener Brian Bennett, leaving the home side in tatters at a hopeless 25 for four, which soon became 30 for five.
With the entire top order back in the pavilion, the game was effectively done and dusted. Zimbabwe's lower order, however, showed some fight. Brad Evans chipped in with 24, and Tinotenda Maposa provided a brief spark of entertainment, smashing a quick 32 off just 15 balls, an effort that at least helped the hosts cross the three-figure mark. It was only fitting that Mujeeb returned to the attack to end the proceedings, finishing with a well-deserved four-wicket haul and sealing a dominant win for Afghanistan.
The foundation for Afghanistan's formidable total was laid by their openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, both of whom appeared to be in exceptional touch. Gurbaz was the aggressor early on, quickly taking the attack to Richard Ngarava by smashing him for three boundaries in a single over. Not to be outdone, Zadran joined the onslaught by hitting the first six of the match off Blessing Muzarabani, which he immediately followed up with a superb boundary over the covers. The pressure was relentless, forcing an expensive start from Brad Evans, who was welcomed to the crease with a 16-run over, while Gurbaz capped off the Powerplay with back-to-back boundaries.
Raza breaks through, but Zadran anchors
Zimbabwe desperately needed a breakthrough, and veteran Sikandar Raza finally provided the much-needed respite by ending the dominant opening partnership. However, Afghanistan's momentum continued as Ibrahim Zadran powered on to complete a well-deserved half-century. At this point, Afghanistan were positioned strongly at 103 for 1 with nine overs still remaining, setting the stage for a massive total. Sikandar Raza then briefly applied the brakes to the scoring rate, striking twice in a single over to force a necessary reset from the visitors. Zimbabwe appeared to gain a measure of control when Blessing Muzarabani followed suit with another double-wicket over, reducing Afghanistan to 128 for 5. Crucially, the tail provided a powerful finish, vital cameos in the death overs from Azmatullah Omarzai and Shahidullah Kamal powered Afghanistan through the final phase, ensuring they concluded their innings with a strong and competitive total.
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