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Afghanistan lost the opening T20I match against Zimbabwe which was being played at the Harare Sports Club, on December 11 (Wednesday) because of a 13-ball over delivered by Naveen-ul-Haq. After losing the first game by four wickets, Rashid Khan's team fell behind 0-1 in the series. With six overs remaining in Zimbabwe's run-chase, the Afghans needed to defend 57 runs at the beginning of the 15th over.
Naveen-ul-Haq's bizarre over
Naveen's actions turned the tide in Zimbabwe's favour. He opened the over with a wide and then Brian Bennett took a single off a legitimate delivery. Then Sikandar Raza then blasted Naveen for a boundary through third man after he bowled a no-ball.
The Afghan pacer ended up bowling four wides while attempting to bowl wide Yorkers. Raza smacked him for a four down the ground on the free hit after he had come around the wicket. By dismissing Raza with the third legal ball of the over, Naveen tried to make amends. To end the over, Naveen bowled another wide and gave up three singles. The target was reduced to 38 runs off 30 balls because of Naveen's 19-run over. Naveen's final numbers were 4-1-33-3.
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Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan
After chasing a 145-run target to win off the final ball of the match, Zimbabwe secured a thrilling triumph over Afghanistan in Harare. This victory handed Zimbabwe an early 1-0 series lead and was their first victory over Afghanistan since 2019.
At 128 for 7, with 17 runs still needed from the final two overs, the hosts were in trouble. But Tashinga Musekiwa showed his might by leading Zimbabwe through the crucial closing seconds. The match reached a thrilling conclusion when Azmatullah Omarzai was given the job of defending 11 runs in the final over. On the final ball, Musekiwa struck the game-winning blow, rousing the home crowd and securing an exciting triumph.
