Afghanistan stormed to a commanding 53-run win over Zimbabwe in the opening T20I in Harare, extending their dominance in the rivalry with a 17th victory in 19 matches.
A composed 52 from Ibrahim Zadran and valuable late runs from Azmatullah Omarzai (27 off 21) powered Afghanistan to a strong 180 for 6, before the bowlers tore through Zimbabwe’s top order. Mujeeb ur Rahman (4 for 20) and Omarzai (3 for 29) led the carnage as Zimbabwe crumbled to 127 all out.
After a fiery powerplay that saw Rahmanullah Gurbaz (39) and Zadran race to 63 without loss, Sikandar Raza (3 for 20) briefly halted Afghanistan’s charge, but Omarzai and Shahidullah reignited the innings with a rapid 32-run stand.
Zimbabwe’s chase never took off as five wickets fell inside the first six overs, with Mujeeb’s carrom-ball mastery leaving them reeling. Only Tinotenda Maposa (32 off 15) offered resistance before the visitors sealed a clinical all-round performance.
The sides meet again on October 31 as Afghanistan eye another series win.
