Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by 37 runs in the first match of their three-match T20 International series, taking a 1–0 lead in the series.
The match was played on Tuesday, October 27, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Afghanistan scored 177 runs in 19.5 overs before being bowled out, setting Zimbabwe a target of 178 runs. Ehsanullah Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal and Rashid Khan played key roles with the bat.
Ahmadzai was Afghanistan’s leading scorer, smashing 52 runs off 22 balls. Shahidullah Kamal contributed 46 runs, while Rashid Khan added a quickfire 30 to help Afghanistan post a competitive total.
For Zimbabwe, Newman Nyamhuri was the standout bowler, taking four wickets for 31 runs.
In reply, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 140 in 19.1 overs, falling 37 runs short of the target.
Afghanistan’s bowlers delivered an impressive performance to defend their total. Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed three wickets for just 13 runs, while Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan took two wickets each.
Rashid khan was named Player of the Match after scoring 30 runs and taking 2 wicket for 20 runs in his four overs.
The victory gives Afghanistan a 1–0 lead in the three-match T20 International series. The second match between the two sides is scheduled for October 29.
