Afghanistan had the last laugh in the third T20I against Zimbabwe as they won the series decider by three wickets. With this win they ended up clinching the three-match series 2-1. After losing the opening match, Afghanistan bounced back strongly to claim the next two games and pocket the series.
Rashid Khan-inspired Afghanistan seal T20I series against Zimbabwe
Afghanistan opted to bowl first in the series decider against Zimbabwe and Naveen-ul-Haq (2/27) made an early breakthrough, dismissing Tadiwanashe Marumani (6 off 6) in the first over. However, Brian Bennett (31 off 24) and Dion Myers (13 off 12) stitched a 35-run partnership for the second wicket to steady Zimbabwe's boat, which only lasted for a shortwhile. However, Azmatullah Omarzai (2/10) struck, dismissing Bennett and Myers in quick succession, leaving Zimbabwe's lower order struggling. The hosts lost their last six wickets for just 28 runs, failing to post a competitive total.
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Rashid Khan (4/27) led Afghanistan's bowling attack, claiming four wickets which disrupted Zimbabwe's batting line-up. Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/20), and Azmatullah Omarzai also contributed with two wickets each, as Zimbabwe were bundled out for a paltry 127 runs in 19.5 overs.
Afghanistan recover from shaky start
In pursuit of the target, Afghanistan faced a shaky start, losing three wickets within the first six overs. Blessing Muzarbani (2/19) and Sediqullah Atal (3 off 7) were dismissed cheaply by Muzarbani and Ngarava, respectively.
Gurbaz made a promising start but was dismissed by Gwandu for 15 runs. Afghanistan found themselves in trouble at 44/4. However, a crucial 48-run partnership between Azmatullah and Naib steadied the ship. Sikandar Raza dismissed both batters, putting Afghanistan under pressure. The lower order batters struggled to keep up, and Zimbabwe picked up a few more wickets.
Nabi remained calm and played some crucial shots, guiding Afghanistan to a thrilling victory with three balls to spare. He finished unbeaten on 24 runs off 18 balls.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan is happy with his team's remarkable comeback after first match jolt. In the post-match presentation, Rashid said:
"Quite happy with the win and especially with the series win. In the first game we lost but we came back really well. Our batters played well and also our boys fielded really well. It's quite a big ground and ones and twos matter, so the key is to field well. Especially the low-scoring games are tough, you think not to lose wickets. The partnership between Gulbadin and Azmatullah was good first and then the partnership between Azmatullah and Nabi. As a bowler it gives you lots of energy when you take wickets. The confidence is there and looking forward to the ODI series as well. 80-90 percent of the team is ODI team so we know what to do. So, this series win will give us the confidence and boost us. It will give us the momentum going into the ODI and Test series"
Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will now shift their focus to the upcoming three-match ODI series which is scheduled to start from December 17.
