Afghanistan he delivered a fine performance to level the T20I series 1-1 against Zimbabwe with a 50-run victory at Harare on Friday (December 13). Revival of spirited batting and disciplined bowling, led by Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haqthe victory was sealed for Afghanistan.
Afghanistan's batting revival led by Darwish Rasooli
Asked to bat first, Afghanistan went down early, losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal and Zubaid Akbari inside the powerplay, leaving them struggling at 33/3. But, Darwish Rasooli anchored India with a clever knock of 58 off 42 balls, his maiden T20I fifty. Rasooli found support from Azmatullah Omarzaiwho sent brisk 28, and Gulbadin Naibthe quickfire 26* lifted Afghanistan to a tournament total of 153/6. Zimbabwean bowlers, especially Trevor Gwandu and Ryan Burlimpressed at first but failed to hold the middle and lower order, allowing Afghanistan to get a late momentum.
Read also: ZIM vs AFG 2024: Date, Match Time, Broadcast and Live Streaming Information
Zimbabwe's sharp shooting against Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq
In reply, Zimbabwe's chase fizzled out early when Naveen hit in the power, taking away We have found the Marumani. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and then Rashid decimated the Zimbabwe line-up with clinical spells.
Brian Bennett (27) and Sikandar Raza (35) some resistance, with Raza playing strongly to keep Zimbabwe's hopes alive. However, Naveen dismissed Raza, causing a collapse that saw Zimbabwe bowled out for 103 in 17.4 overs. Rashid claimed three wickets, while Naveen and Mujeeb added three and two wickets, respectively, to cap off a stellar bowling display.
Afghanistan's bowlers executed their plans to perfection, with every member contributing. Rashid's leadership and Naveen's astute opening spell were instrumental in Zimbabwe's elimination on a challenging two-pace surface. With the series now level, both teams will try to bring their best into the decider. Afghanistan showed resilience and the ability to thrive under pressure, and Zimbabwe will be looking to address their batting weaknesses to bounce back in the final game.
Here's how Twitter reacted:
Another very poor batting performance from #Zimbabwe. Our Achilles heel is our bat and we will remain so as long as we do not pick some of our best batsmen and retain players who have disappointed for a while.
In terms of real cricket our selection policy is… https://t.co/WS45F8lBFn
— David Coltart (@DavidColtar) December 13, 2024
Naveenulhaq is also a leading wicket taker for @ACBofficials in 2024 (T20I) as well as the highest wicket taker in the T20 format in the 🌍, he has taken 76 wickets in his 60 appearances so far.#AFGvZIM #ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/mj3k5mr6Ot
— Bashir Gharwal Gharwal (@bashir_gharwall) December 13, 2024
RESULT | AFGHANISTAN won by 50 runs 🚨
Naveen Ul Haq (3/19), Rashid Khan (3/20), and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/30) put in a brilliant bowling effort to help #AfghanAtalan they beat Zimbabwe by 50 runs and level 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 he didn't get his full quota of performances, bad captaincy and fielding in the last 5-6 overs giving away so many runs, that's where he lost Zim. Raza may be the best player but he is a poor captain.#ZIMvAFG
— Lalu G Sharma (@lg_sharma) December 13, 2024
Afghanistan won 2nd T20I by 50 Runs. Career Highest Individual T20I Score for D Rasooli 58(42). Very good spell Naveen ul haq 3/19 and Rashid Khan 3/20.#ZIMvAFG @ACBofficials @rashidkhan_19
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) December 13, 2024
After a disappointing bowling effort in the 1st T20 which led to defeat, Afghanistan hit back in the most convincing manner by beating Zimbabwe by 50 runs in the 2nd T20I. #ZIMvsAFG
– Ambika (@apmahapatra) December 13, 2024
Disappointing performance from the boys especially the top order. We don't lose hope, we are level, let's get the job done tomorrow, I still feel we can win this series🇿🇼🇿🇼🇿🇼
Come on Chevrons
Come on Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/NE37PeGNyN– Freddy Michael Masarirevu (@freddyMM93) December 13, 2024
Ryan Burl needs to be replaced.
— Adam Theo🇿🇿🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) December 13, 2024
Afghanistan takes the series 1-1!
They beat Zimbabwe by 50 runs in 2nd T20I.
Sikandar Raza top-scored with 35 for Zimbabwe, who were bowled out for 103 in reply to Afghanistan's 153.
Rashid Khan (3/20), Naveen ul Haq (3/19) & Mujeeb (2/30) starred for Afghanistan.#AFGvZIM pic.twitter.com/OGZfXuyAFo
– Muhammad Areeb Uddin Sheikh. #AreebCricketWorld (@areeb_7official) December 13, 2024
Great performance by Afghanistan! 🇦🇫🔥
With a spectacular bowling display, Naveen-ul-Haq (3/19), Rashid Khan (3/20), and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/30) powered. #AfghanAtalan to a 50-run victory against Zimbabwe.Chasing 154, Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 103, leveling the series… https://t.co/8MG6SyZgxv
— Abidullah Hedayat (@DrAbidullahH) December 13, 2024
Also READ: ZIM vs AFG 2024: Afghanistan's best XI for T20I series against Zimbabwe
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