Zimbabwe’s batting frailties were exposed once again as they suffered a crushing 53-run defeat to Afghanistan in the first T20 International at Harare Sports Club.
The visitors now lead the three-match series 1–0.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Afghanistan got off to a blistering start, scoring freely in the powerplay at nearly 10 runs per over.
The first wicket only fell in the seventh over when Rahmanullah Gurbaz departed for 39.
Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with a brisk 52 off 33 balls as Afghanistan posted a commanding 180 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Zimbabwe managed to slow the scoring rate in the latter stages through skipper Sikandar Raza, who claimed 3 wickets. Blessing Muzarabani chipped in with 2, while Brad Evans took 1 wicket.
The home side’s chase got off to a nightmare start as the top order collapsed to 30 for 5 within the powerplay.
The dependable Brian Bennett offered brief resistance with 24 runs, but wickets continued to tumble.
A late fightback came from Tinotenda Maposa and Brad Evans, who put on a spirited 53 run stand for the eighth wicket off 30 balls.
Evans’ cameo ended when he was bowled and caught by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, while Maposa top scored with a career best 32.
Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 127 in 16.1 overs.
Mujeeb was the pick of the Afghan bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 20 from three overs, narrowly missing out on a five-wicket haul.
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