Kabul – November 2, 2025: Afghanistan has put on a terrific performance to beat the hosts, Zimbabwe, by 9 runs in the third T20I match to complete a 3-0 sweep of the three-match T20I series.
Ibrahim Zadran, the stand-in captain
for Afghanistan, won the toss and opted to bat first. Rashid Khan missed the
game due to a finger injury. The openers put on yet another fantastic
partnership as they shared 159 runs for the first wicket.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (92) and Ibrahim
Zadran (60) struck explosive half-centuries before Sediqullah Atal struck 35*
off just 15 deliveries to not only cover for the middle overs hurdle but also
push Afghanistan to post 210/3 runs on the board in the first inning.
In response, Zimbabwe lost two quick
wickets inside the first four overs, but Sikandar Raza (51) and Brian Bennet
(47) put on a threatening partnership before Mohammad Nabi dismissed the
opposite skipper to open the door for Afghan bowlers.
Ryan Burl came in and took Afghan
bowlers to the cleaners with a terrific 37-run knock, which came off only 15
deliveries and included five massive sixes, before missing a straighter
delivery to see his stumps rattled.
Zimbabwe needed 19 runs off the last
over, but Abdullah Ahmadzai struck twice and bowled some terrific deliveries to
pull things off and take Afghanistan home by 9 runs.
Abdullah Ahmadzai (3/42) was the
pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan, and was well supported by Fazal Haq
Farooqi (2/29), Fareed Ahmad (2/38), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (1/30), and Mohammad Nabi
(1/28), who contributed to Afghanistan’s victory.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who had struck a
magnificent 92 off just 48 deliveries with 8 fours and 5 sixes to his name, was
awarded the Player of the Match.
On the other hand, Ibrahim Zadran
was adjudged as the Player of the Series for scoring 169 runs at a walloping
84.5 runs average and three half-centuries to his name.
The 9-run victory over Zimbabwe
marks the end of the Afghanistan Tour of Zimbabwe, which included a Test and
three T20Is. The home side will be happy to win the Test match, as Afghanistan
bring down the T20I trophy home with a 3-0 margin.