Sport Correspondent
Zimbabwe’s struggles in the shortest format continued after Afghanistan completed a comprehensive 3-0 series whitewash with a seven-wicket victory in the third and final Twenty20 International at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
The Chevrons suffered a humiliating batting collapse, managing just 79 runs in 14.3 overs after Afghanistan elected to field, before the Afghans comfortably chased down the target, reaching 81 for three in just 8.1 overs.
Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad was the chief destroyer, producing a career-best T20I performance of five wickets for 13 runs in 3.3 overs to dismantle Zimbabwe’s batting line-up.
Zimbabwe’s innings got off to a disastrous start as openers Innocent Kaia and Brian Bennett were dismissed cheaply by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai.
Captain Sikandar Raza’s dismissal for just two runs, courtesy of debutant Abdullah Tarakhail, left Zimbabwe reeling at 13 for three inside the first four overs.
Ryan Burl attempted to steady the innings with a fighting 30 off 29 deliveries, including five boundaries, while Wessly Madhevere contributed 10 runs.
However, Zimbabwe struggled to build meaningful partnerships as Noor ripped through the middle and lower order, leaving the visitors bowled out for a meagre 79.
Tarakhail also impressed on his international debut, claiming two wickets for 14 runs in three overs.
In response, Afghanistan made an aggressive start to their chase, with Mohammad Akram smashing 14 runs off just five deliveries before falling to Blessing Muzarabani.
Sediqullah Atal added 20 off 14 balls before Ernest Masuku struck twice to give Zimbabwe a brief opportunity to fight back.
But Ibrahim Zadran, who remained unbeaten on 25, and Azmatullah Omarzai (18 not out) ensured there would be no further setbacks as Afghanistan reached their target with seven wickets and 71 balls to spare.
Noor Ahmad was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling display, while Omarzai received the Player of the Series award following an impressive all-round contribution throughout the three-match contest.
The result completed a dominant series performance by Afghanistan, who had won the opening T20I by 37 runs before securing a 19-run victory in the second encounter.
Zimbabwe had shown greater resistance in the second match, with Raza smashing a magnificent 106 off 56 deliveries. However, his efforts were overshadowed by Omarzai’s explosive 116 off just 50 balls as Afghanistan posted 221 for seven and eventually secured victory.
The latest defeat will raise further questions about Zimbabwe’s batting consistency, particularly against quality spin bowling, as the team continues its preparations for upcoming international assignments.
The two sides will now shift their attention to the longer format, with a two-match Test series scheduled to begin on November 5.
