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Afghanistan survived a major scare from the home side to defeat Zimbabwe by a narrow nine-run margin in the third and final T20I at the Harare Sports Club. The hard-fought victory sealed a dominant 3-0 clean sweep for the tourists in the three-match series.
Innings 1: Record Partnership Sets the Stage
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Afghanistan’s openers delivered a masterclass in aggressive T20 batting. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and captain Ibrahim Zadran forged a phenomenal 159-run partnership—the highest of the series—in just 15.4 overs.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the aggressor, smashing 92 runs off 48 balls, featuring eight fours and five huge sixes, narrowly missing a century.
- Ibrahim Zadran provided excellent support with 60 runs off 49 balls.
Following their massive stand, Sediqullah Atal continued the momentum, striking 35 runs off 15 balls to turbo-charge the total to a daunting 210/3 in 20 overs.
Innings 2: Zimbabwe’s Valiant, High-Scoring Fight
Chasing a massive target, Zimbabwe’s batters showed renewed fight, crossing the 200-run mark despite ultimately falling short.
- After losing two early wickets, captain Sikandar Raza (51 off 29) and Brian Bennett (47 off 31) staged an 85-run counter-attack, with Raza reaching a spectacular half-century.
- Ryan Burl provided a late, blistering cameo, striking 37 runs off only 15 deliveries (including five sixes) to keep the required run rate achievable late in the game.
However, the pressure of the steep chase and the class of the Afghan bowlers proved just enough. Despite their aggressive effort, Zimbabwe was eventually bowled out on the final ball of the innings for 201. Bowlers Abdullah Ahmadzai (3/42) and Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/29) delivered decisive blows, ensuring the 3-0 whitewash was complete.
Brief Scores & Series Result
| Team | Score (Overs) | Result |
| Afghanistan | 210/3 (20.0) | Won by 9 runs |
| Zimbabwe | 201 all out (20.0) | Lost |
Star Performers:
AFG: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (92) & Abdullah Ahmadzai (3/42).
ZIM: Sikandar Raza (51) & Ryan Burl (37).
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