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ZIM vs AFG: Zimbabwe won over Afghanistan by 4 wickets in the last ball of the match as they took the lead of the three-match T20 series 1-0. The match played at Harare Sports Club lived up to all the expectations, Zimbabwe snatching the win on the dramatic final over with Afghanistan being strong throughout but Zimbabwe late surge proved to be too much and hence holding the nerves for victory in the most dramatic of ways.
Afghanistan Sets a Modest Target in ZIM vs AFG 1st T20I
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The match started with the Afghanistan captain winning the toss and deciding to bat first. Afghanistan put up a total of 144 runs for the loss of 6 wickets after their full 20 overs. The Afghan batsmen were good at their best, but the total was not seen as difficult by Zimbabwe to chase considering the target that had to be chased under the circumstances with solid batting and a composed approach.
Zimbabwe’s chase did not get off to a good start. They lost their first wicket early when the score was only 11 runs. This early loss put more pressure on the chasing team, but opener Brian Bennett and number three batter Dion Myers steadied the ship.
The two put together a crucial half-century stand that gave Zimbabwe hope in their pursuit of the target. Both batsmen batted well, showing resistance against the Afghan bowlers on a pitch that helped the seamers.
Afghanistan’s Impressive Comeback
As the match entered the final stages, Afghanistan responded very well. Having already got rid of the well-set Bennett and Myers, Afghanistan maintained their grip, leaving Zimbabwe under immense pressure.
It was becoming increasingly tough for Zimbabwe to score freely, especially with Rashid Khan and Naveen Ul Haq leading the bowling for Afghanistan. Tension mounted, and in the last few overs, Afghanistan looked to have the game well in hand.
But just when all hope seemed lost for Zimbabwe, it was Tashinga Musekiwa and Wellington Masakadza, who upped the stakes. Both of them did not get rattled but played a couple of fine cameos, scoring 11 off the last over, thereby completing the chase for Zimbabwe on the final ball.
Their composed batting in the final overs ensured that Zimbabwe snatched a great 4-wicket victory from under the noses of stunned and dejected Afghanistan.
Strong Bowling by Afghanistan in ZIM vs AFG 1st T20
Although Afghanistan went short in the last couple of overs, their bowlers had been good throughout the match. Naveen Ul Haq was the best of the lot who picked up 1 wicket for 33 runs in his 4 overs.
Afghan captain Rashid Khan also chipped in with the ball and got 2 wickets for 26 runs in his 4 overs. Mohammad Nabi chipped in with one wicket as well. Nevertheless, Zimbabwe managed to see the match off and reach their target at the end of it all.
Zimbabwe Take Lead in ZIM vs AFG
With this match win, Zimbabwe took a 1-0 lead in the series and would hope to carry their momentum in the remaining games. Afghanistan will look to bounce back in the next game and level the series.
This was one of the most dramatic matches, as T20 cricket is very unpredictable and, at times, demands that players stay composed under pressure. The next match between these two teams is bound to thrill cricket fans as the series unfolds.
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