Gurbaz and Ibrahim helped Afghanistan complete a series sweep

Gurbaz and Ibrahim helped Afghanistan complete a series sweep

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe: Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran starred as Afghanistan completed a 3-0 T20I series sweep against Zimbabwe, beating Zimbabwe by 9 runs.

On a batting-friendly pitch in Harare, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran gave a masterclass in modern T20 batting. Their powerful strokes and smart shot selection helped them build a massive 159-run opening stand. Afghanistan ended with 210 for 3. Despite a strong fight from Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, Brian Bennett, and Ryan Burl, Afghanistan held their nerve to win by nine runs and complete a clean 3-0 sweep.

This win was even more impressive as Afghanistan played without Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai, who were rested. It marked a strong comeback after losing the one-off Test earlier in the tour. Afghanistan have now won 19 of the 21 T20Is against Zimbabwe.

Wellington Masakadza’s first over went for 19 runs, with Gurbaz hitting boundaries all around the ground. He played clever paddles, big sixes, and sharp cuts. Ibrahim joined the party in the fourth over with four boundaries in a row. By the end of six overs, Afghanistan were flying at 73 for 0 their third-best powerplay score ever.

After the power play, Afghanistan batted smartly. Raza bowled tightly, but Burl was smashed for 30 runs in one over by Gurbaz. He hit six boundaries in that over alone. Afghanistan reached 155 for 0 after 15 overs.

Raza finally broke the stand with a brilliant diving catch to dismiss Gurbaz for 92 off 48 balls. Ibrahim followed soon after for 60. Sediqullah Atal then added a quickfire 35* off 15 balls to push the total to 210 for 3.

Zimbabwe’s chase started badly with two early wickets. But Raza and Bennett brought the game back to life with aggressive batting. Raza hit boundaries off anything short, while Bennett played stylish shots. Their 85-run stand gave Zimbabwe hope.

Raza reached his fifty in just 28 balls but was unlucky to get out when the ball hit his glove, pad, and then the stumps. Bennett made 47 before mistiming a shot. Zimbabwe were 126 for 4 in the 13th over.

Musekiwa and Burl kept Zimbabwe in the hunt. Burl smashed three sixes, and Musekiwa played some neat shots. Even after Burl got out for 37 off 15 balls, Zimbabwe still had a chance.

With 39 needed off 18 balls, Fareed bowled a brilliant 18th over, taking two wickets. Farooqi kept things tight in the 19th, leaving 18 to get from the last over. Ahmadzai bowled with precision, taking two wickets and sealing the win. Mujeeb Ur Rahman caught the final ball to bowl Zimbabwe out.