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Afghanistan Completes 3-0 Whitewash: Gurbaz’s 92 Outguns Raza’s 51 in Harare Thriller
ZeeaK 
Afghanistan survived a spectacular counter-attack from the home side to secure a narrow nine-run victory in the third and final T20I at the Harare Sports Club, confirming a dominant 3-0 series sweep over Zimbabwe. The outcome was decided by a record-breaking opening partnership that powered the tourists to an imposing total.
Innings 1: Record Partnership Sets Massive Target
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Afghanistan’s openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran delivered a batting masterclass. The duo forged a monumental 159-run stand—the highest partnership of the series—setting a ferocious tone from the start with 19 runs coming off the first over.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the primary aggressor, unleashing five sixes on his way to a blistering 92 runs off 48 balls, narrowly missing a century. Gurbaz brought up his 30-ball fifty quickly and propelled the innings during a 30-run over off Ryan Burl.
- Ibrahim Zadran anchored the partnership, scoring a third consecutive fifty in the series with 60 runs off 49 deliveries.
After the openers fell, Sediqullah Atal provided an explosive finish, smashing 35 runs off just 15 balls to take Afghanistan’s total to a formidable 210/3. Bowler Brad Evans (2/33) was the most successful of the Zimbabwean attack on a tough day.
Innings 2: Zimbabwe’s Valiant, High-Scoring Effort
Chasing a massive 211, Zimbabwe’s innings got off to a rocky start, losing Dion Myers and Brendan Taylor quickly. However, the middle order showed immense character and kept the required rate within sight for most of the chase.
- Captain Sikandar Raza led the counter-attack, slamming 51 runs off 28 balls, including two sixes, before being dismissed while attempting a sweep shot.
- He was well supported by Brian Bennett (47) and a blistering cameo from Ryan Burl, who hit five maximums in his late surge.
Despite scoring quickly, the constant loss of wickets and the initial target proved too steep. With Abdullah Ahmadzai (3/42) and Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/29) delivering crucial blows in the final overs, Zimbabwe’s innings ended at 201, nine runs short of the target.
Brief Scores & Series Conclusion
| Team | Score (Overs) | Result |
| Afghanistan | 210/3 (20.0) | Won by 9 runs |
| Zimbabwe | 201 all out (20.0) | Lost |
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Image credits : cricbuzz
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