How Did Gurbaz and Ibrahim Lead Afghanistan to a 3-0 T20I Series Sweep Over Zimbabwe?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling finale at Harare, Afghanistan's opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran showcased their exceptional skills in a decisive match, clinching a 3-0 T20I series victory over Zimbabwe. Their partnership was instrumental in setting a challenging target, followed by a resilient bowling performance that sealed the win. Read on for a detailed breakdown of this exciting clash!
Key Takeaways
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 92 runs off 48 balls.
- Ibrahim Zadran added 60 runs off 49 balls.
- Afghanistan set a target of 210 runs.
- Zimbabwe fell short, scoring 201 runs.
- Afghanistan completed a 3-0 series sweep.
Harare, Nov 2 (NationPress) The dynamic opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran engineered a remarkable 159-run partnership, guiding Afghanistan to a thrilling nine-run victory over Zimbabwe in the concluding T20I at Harare Sports Club on Sunday, achieving a clean 3-0 series sweep.
Gurbaz scored an impressive 92 off 48 balls, while Zadran provided stability with a solid 60 off 49, leading Afghanistan to a total of 210 for 3. Despite a late rally from Zimbabwe, the Afghan bowlers remained resolute, limiting the hosts to 201.
Gurbaz started aggressively, scoring 19 runs in the first over bowled by Wellington Masakadza, setting the tone for the innings. Zadran contributed with boundaries off Richard Ngarava, and a costly over from Tinotenda Maposa saw Afghanistan race past fifty. A missed catch by Brad Evans allowed Gurbaz to thrive, finishing the powerplay with a commanding score of 73 for 0.
Gurbaz reached his fifty in just 30 balls shortly after Afghanistan surpassed the hundred mark in the 11th over, with Zadran also achieving his third fifty of the series in 36 balls. Zimbabwe managed to contain the flow of runs temporarily, but the innings reignited spectacularly as Ryan Burl’s 14th over yielded 30 runs. Gurbaz accelerated from 58 off 38 to 88 off 44, hitting three fours and three sixes. Notably, Sikandar Raza bowled impressively, conceding only 20 runs from four overs while Afghanistan reached 155 for 0 after 15 overs.
The partnership concluded at 159 runs when Raza took a brilliant catch to dismiss Gurbaz (92) off Ngarava's bowling, followed by Evans bowling Zadran (60), making it 166 for 2 in the 17th over. Sediqullah Atal ended strongly, scoring 35 not out off 15 with three sixes and two fours, propelling Afghanistan to a commanding score of 210 for 3.
Zimbabwe's run chase began poorly with Dion Myers run out and Brendan Taylor miscuing a catch in Fazalhaq Farooqi’s third over. Sikandar Raza revived the innings with some well-timed boundaries, joined by Brian Bennett, who hit a four and a six off Fareed Ahmad Malik. At 48 for 2 after the PowerPlay, Zimbabwe faced a challenging task ahead.
The innings picked up pace as Raza and Bennett consistently found the boundary. Abdullah Ahmadzai’s ninth over went for 19 runs, including sixes from both batters, yet Zimbabwe was at 92 for 2 halfway through with the required run rate climbing to nearly 12. Raza reached a fifty in just 28 balls, but soon after, he was dismissed while attempting a sweep. Bennett departed for 47, leaving Ryan Burl to keep the chase alive with a flurry of sixes, bringing Zimbabwe to 151 for 4 after 15 overs.
Burl hit his fifth maximum off Mujeeb Ur Rahman before getting bowled shortly after. Although Tashinga Musekiwa scored 28 off 17, wickets fell at the other end, stalling the chase. Fareed struck twice in an over to dismiss Clive Madande and Evans, and with 29 runs needed off the last two overs, Zimbabwe's chances dwindled. Farooqi dismissed Musekiwa after conceding a six, and Ahmadzai wrapped it up by taking down Maposa and Ngarava in the final over, bowling Zimbabwe out for 201.
Brief Scores: Afghanistan 210/3 in 20 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 92, Ibrahim Zadran 60; Brad Evans 2-33) beat Zimbabwe 201/10 in 20 overs (Sikandar Raza 51, Brian Bennett 47; Abdullah Ahmadzai 3-42) by 9 runs.
Point of View
My perspective is rooted in the unwavering support for our national team. The remarkable performance from Gurbaz and Zadran not only underscores their talent but also highlights the strategic depth of Afghanistan's cricketing prowess. This series victory is a testament to the players’ hard work and determination, and it reinforces Afghanistan’s growing stature in international cricket.
NationPress
25/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match?
Afghanistan scored 210 for 3, while Zimbabwe was bowled out for 201.
Who were the standout players for Afghanistan?
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran were the standout players, scoring 92 and 60 runs respectively.
How did Zimbabwe perform in their chase?
Zimbabwe struggled initially but showed resilience, with Sikandar Raza scoring 51 and Brian Bennett adding 47 runs, but fell short by 9 runs.
What was the significance of this victory for Afghanistan?
This victory marked a clean sweep in the T20I series against Zimbabwe, showcasing Afghanistan's growing cricketing stature.
How did the Afghan bowlers perform?
The Afghan bowlers were disciplined and effective, managing to restrict Zimbabwe to 201, with Abdullah Ahmadzai taking 3 wickets.
