Zimbabwe look to close out innings better in second T20I

SHARJAH – Zimbabwe will try to level the T20I series against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium today after letting a strong position slip in the series opener.

On Tuesday, Zimbabwe had Afghanistan 66 for five in the 12th over. From there, Afghanistan scored 111 runs off the last 52 balls to post 177 and win by 37 runs. They lead the three match series 1-0.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza said the bowling had lost discipline after Afghanistan’s batters began to attack.

“Once you start getting it all over the park, it becomes very difficult to captain the side,” Raza said.

Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran said the pitch made it hard to score early on and his side built their innings in the middle overs.

“Condition was a bit sticky, so we couldn’t have better start in the powerplay,” Zadran said. “Put good total on the board. It’s really important when you play international cricket.”

The numbers back up both captains. Zimbabwe’s seamers made a strong start, taking three wickets inside three overs, with Ernest Masuku claiming two in his first over on debut.

However, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai (52 off 22 balls), Shahidullah (46) and Rashid Khan (30 off 10) hit 11 sixes between them to turn the innings around.

Left arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri finished with a career best four for 31, but Zimbabwe could not contain Afghanistan’s late charge.

Zimbabwe’s chase faded in a similar way. From 94 for four in the 14th over, they lost their last six wickets for 46 runs and were bowled out for 140. Fazalhaq Farooqi took three for 13.

The series is Zimbabwe’s third white ball assignment against Afghanistan this month, following two ODI defeats in the tri series. It forms part of the African co host’s preparation for the 2027 World Cup, where the two sides will meet again in Group A.

The match starts at 4.30pm Zimbabwe time, with the third T20I scheduled for Sunday.