Azmatullah Omarzai led Afghanistan’s batting effort with a remarkable century. Meanwhile, the bowlers picked up crucial wickets at important stages to help the hosts seal the victory.
Zimbabwe started well with the ball and reduced Afghanistan to 38/5 by the ninth over. Brad Evans, Ernest Masuku, Kundai Matigimu and Vincent Masekesa all contributed to the early breakthroughs.
However, Azmatullah Omarzai and Ijaz Ahmadzai revived the innings with a 142-run partnership off just 59 deliveries. Ijaz contributed a quickfire 52, while Omarzai took the attack to the opposition.
The all-rounder struck 116 off only 50 balls, including 12 sixes. His innings helped Afghanistan recover from a difficult position and build a substantial total.
Rashid Khan added further runs towards the end, smashing 25 off just six deliveries. Afghanistan eventually finished on 221/7, hitting 19 sixes during their innings.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers had controlled the first half of the innings. However, they struggled to contain the scoring during the closing overs, allowing Afghanistan to take control of the contest.
Chasing 222 inthe 2nd T20 against Afghanistan, Zimbabwe made a positive start through Innocent Kaia and Brian Bennett. Both openers found boundaries during the Powerplay and kept the required rate within reach.
However, Afghanistan struck back by removing both openers. The wickets continued to fall, leaving Zimbabwe at 82/5 at the halfway stage.
Sikandar Raza and Tafadzwa Tsiga then put together a strong response. The pair added an unbeaten 120-run partnership for the sixth wicket from just 60 balls.
Raza led the recovery with an outstanding 106, while Tsiga provided valuable support at the other end. Their partnership brought Zimbabwe back into contention and put pressure on the Afghanistan bowlers.
Despite the late surge, the visitors could not complete the chase and finished 19 runs short.
Afghanistan shared the wickets among several bowlers, with Abdollah Ahmadzai leading the way with two dismissals. Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai and Fareed Ahmad also picked up wickets.
Although Zimbabwe scored freely on a good batting surface, Afghanistan managed to take wickets at important moments. The early breakthroughs during the chase proved particularly important before Raza and Tsiga threatened to change the outcome.
The 19-run victory in 2nd T20 against Zimbabwe confirmed Afghanistan series win. Their batting recovery, led by Omarzai’s century, proved decisive despite Zimbabwe’s late fightback.
Zimbabwe will take some positives from Raza’s performance and the lower-order partnership. However, their inability to contain Afghanistan in the final overs ultimately proved costly.
