Rashid’s Three-Wicket Haul and Ibrahim’s Fifty Secure Afghanistan’s Series Victory
Afghanistan’s cricket team secured a series victory against Zimbabwe by winning the third T20I, showcasing strong performances from Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Zadran.
Match Overview
In a decisive match, Afghanistan chased down a target of 126, finishing at 129 for 3. This victory allowed them to clinch the series.
Key Performers
- Ibrahim Zadran: Scored an impressive 57* from a challenging position. This score marked his second consecutive T20I fifty.
- Rashid Khan: Achieved a remarkable three-wicket haul with figures of 3 for 9, featuring prominently in the bowling attack.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman: Supported the bowling effort well with 2 for 26.
- Abdollah Maqsood: Contributed significantly, taking 2 wickets for 28 runs.
Zimbabwe’s Struggle
Zimbabwe batted first, managing only 125 runs. Sikandar Raza led the effort with 37 runs, but the team struggled against Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
Batting Breakdown
The Zimbabwean batting lineup faced difficulties, with their highest partnership totaling just 24 runs. Key moments included:
- Dion Myers attempted aggressive batting but fell early, caught while trying to sweep Mujeeb.
- Brendan Taylor was dismissed for a poor shot, contributing to Zimbabwe’s early troubles.
- Ryan Burl’s dismissal left Zimbabwe at 57 for 4.
Afghanistan’s Chase
Afghanistan’s batting response was effective from the start. During the powerplay, they hit nine boundaries, dominating the run chase. Despite a dry spell in the middle overs, their strong start proved decisive.
Middle Order Concerns
Afghanistan’s middle-order performance raised questions. Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli struggled, scoring a combined 25 runs from 32 balls.
Conclusion
The match highlighted Afghanistan’s bowling strength, particularly Rashid Khan’s impressive performance. Ibrahim Zadran’s steady innings also played a crucial role in securing a seven-wicket victory, ensuring Afghanistan’s series win.
