Afghanistan produced a remarkable batting comeback to defeat Zimbabwe by 19 runs in the second T20I at Sharjah on October 29, securing an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three match series.
The contest began disastrously for Afghanistan, who lost four wickets for just five runs inside four overs. Zimbabwe’s Brad Evans and Kundai Matigimu dominated the opening exchanges, leaving the opposition struggling to rebuild their innings.
However, Azmatullah Omarzai delivered an exceptional performance, smashing 116 runs from only 50 deliveries, including 12 sixes. His outstanding contribution transformed Afghanistan’s fortunes and helped them post an imposing 221 for 7.
Omarzai received valuable support from Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, who contributed 52 from 27 balls. Their extraordinary 142 run partnership established a new T20I record for the sixth wicket or lower. Afghanistan accumulated an incredible 176 runs during the final ten overs.
Captain Rashid Khan added further excitement with an unbeaten 25 from six deliveries, providing a spectacular finish to the innings.
Zimbabwe responded with determination despite losing wickets regularly. Sikandar Raza produced a magnificent unbeaten 106 from 56 balls, keeping his team’s hopes alive throughout the chase.
At 40, Raza also became the oldest male cricketer to register a T20I century. Alongside debutant Tafadzwa Tsiga, he constructed an unbeaten 120 run partnership, guiding Zimbabwe to 202 for 5.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack nevertheless maintained sufficient control to protect their challenging total. Rashid achieved another historic milestone by becoming the first bowler to claim 200 wickets in men’s T20 internationals.
The victory highlighted Afghanistan’s exceptional resilience, with Omarzai’s extraordinary batting display proving decisive despite Raza’s courageous resistance.
With the series already secured, Afghanistan will enter the final encounter aiming to complete a clean sweep.
