Afghanistan He delivered a brilliant performance to level the T20I series 1-1 against Zimbabwe With a 50-run victory in Harare Friday (December 13). Energetic recovery and disciplined bowling led Rashid Khan and Naven the truthThe victory was decided for Afghanistan.
Strike revival in Afghanistan led by Darwish Rasouli
When asked to bat first, Afghanistan stumbled early, and lost Rahman Allah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal and Zubaid Akbari Inside the powerplay, leaving them struggling at 33/3. but, Darwish Rasouli He anchored the innings with a responsible knock of 58 off 42 balls, his first T20I fifty. The Apostolic found support from Azmatullah Omarzaiwho contributed 28, and Galbadin Nayebwhose rapid-fire 26* lifted Afghanistan to a competitive total of 153/6. Zimbabwean bowlers in particular Trevor Guando and Ryan PearlIt initially affected but failed to contain the middle and lower order, allowing Afghanistan to gain late momentum.
Read also: ZIM vs AFG 2024: date, match time, broadcast and live stream details
Zimbabwe's faltering chase against Rashid Khan and Naveen ul Haq
In response, Zimbabwe's chase faltered early when Navin hit on the power play, clearing We found Maromane. Mujeeb Rahman Rashid then dismantled the Zimbabwe line-up with clinical spells.
Brian Bennett (27) and Iskandar Reda (35) Showed some resistance, as Raza played aggressively to keep Zimbabwe's hopes alive. However, Naveen Raza was dismissed, triggering a collapse that saw Zimbabwe bowled out for 103 in 17.4 overs. Rashid took three wickets, while Naveen and Mujeeb added three wickets, respectively, to round off a brilliant bowling display.
The Afghan bowlers executed their plans perfectly, with the contribution of all members. Rashid's driving and Naveen's crucial opening spell were instrumental in dismantling Zimbabwe on a challenging two-step surface. With the series now tied, both teams will look to give their best in the decider. Afghanistan have shown their resilience and ability to thrive under pressure, while Zimbabwe will look to address their batting weaknesses to make a comeback in the final.
Here's how Twitter reacted:
Another very poor batting performance from #Zimbabwe. Our batting is our Achilles heel and will remain so as long as we do not select some of our best batsmen and keep players who have disappointed for some time.
In pure cricketing terms, our selection policy is… https://t.co/WS45F8lBFn
– David Coltart (@DavidColtart) December 13, 2024
Naveenulhaq is also the leading wicket-taker @ACBofficial In 2024 (T20I) In addition to being the highest wicket-taker in the T20 format in 🌍, he has taken 76 wickets in his 60 matches so far.#AFGvZIM #ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/mj3k5mr6Ot
— Bashir Gharwal Gharwal (@bashir_gharwall) December 13, 2024
Result | Afghanistan won by 50 points 🚨
Naveen-ul-Haq (3/19), Rashid Khan (3/20) and Mujibur Rahman (2/30) put in a brilliant effort off the bowling to help #Afghanistan Atalan They beat Zimbabwe by 50 runs and tied the three-match T20I series 1-1. 👍#ZIMvAFG |… pic.twitter.com/dMnHwSAmIk
– Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 13, 2024
Burl was the best bowler today and didn't get his full share of overs, poor team leadership and fielding in the last 5-6 overs led to a lot of missed runs, and this is where Zim lost out. Reda may be the best in all areas but he is a bad leader.#ZIMvAFG
– Lalu G Sharma (@lg_sharma) December 13, 2024
Afghanistan won the second T20I by 50 runs. D Rasooli's best individual T20I score is 58 (42). Great spell by Naveen ul Haq 3/19 and Rashid Khan 3/20.#ZIMvAFG @ACBofficial @rashedkhan_19
– Jaayshaan (Vaidhya Jaya Shankar) (@JaayShaan) December 13, 2024
After a disappointing bowling effort in the first T20 that led to defeat, Afghanistan responded in the most emphatic way by thrashing Zimbabwe by 50 runs in the second T20I. #ZIMvsAFG
– Ambika (@apmahapatra) December 13, 2024
Disappointing performance from the boys especially the top order. We don't lose hope, we're at the level, let's get the job done tomorrow, I still feel like we can win this series🇿🇼🇿🇼🇿🇼
Come on Chevron
Come on Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/NE37PeGNyN– Freddy Michael Masarerevo (@FreddyMM93) December 13, 2024
Ryan Burle needs to be replaced.
– Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) December 13, 2024
Afghanistan ties the series 1-1!
They beat Zimbabwe by 50 runs in the second T20I.
Sikandar Raza scored the highest goals with 35 goals for Zimbabwe, which went out with 103 goals compared to 153 for Afghanistan.
Rashid Khan (3/20), Naveen ul Haq (3/19) and Mujeeb (2/30) starred for Afghanistan.#AFGvZIM pic.twitter.com/OGZfXuyAFo
– Muhammad Areeb Uddin Sheikh. #AreebCricketWorld (@areeb_7official) December 13, 2024
Great performance for Afghanistan! 🇦🇫🔥
With a brilliant bowling display, Navin-ul-Haq (3/19), Rashid Khan (3/20), and Mujibur Rahman (2/30) are supported. #Afghanistan Atalan For a 50-run win over Zimbabwe.Chasing 154, Zimbabwe were bundled out for just 103, leveling the series… https://t.co/8MG6SyZgxv
– Obaid Allah Hidayat (@DrAbidallahH) December 13, 2024
