HIGHLIGHTS Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, Afghanistan in Zimbabwe 3 T20I Series 2025, 1st T20- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the run chase! The umpires have stepped on the field, and so are the players of Afghanistan. Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brendan Taylor will be the opening pair for Zimbabwe. Azmatullah Omarzai will have the new ball. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, with the target of 181 on the board, Afghanistan would like to get some early breakthrough to set the tone of the match. Azmatullah Omarzai has done well with the ball, but the question will linger whether he will be able to do the same with the ball. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will aim to forge a good partnership, like their opposition did earlier in the inning. Stay tuned with us, as the first delivery of the second inning is not far away.

Afghanistan’s batting coach, Andrew Puttick, is up for a chat. He says 180 is decent. Gurbaz and Zadran played well, the middle order stalled but finished strong. Ibra is improving. The plan was to attack the pace and rotate against spin. Says that they want a steadier middle order and better momentum against spin. Adds that the areas to improve are in the Powerplay and be smarter in the middle order.

With their captain leading the way and taking on the load of the team, the Chevrons’ bowling unit stepped up impressively. Blessing Muzarabani made his mark by claiming two key wickets, effectively neutralizing Afghanistan's upper middle order. Azmatullah Omarzai contributed a vital 27 runs, but just as he seemed poised to seize control, Brad Evans swiftly dismissed him, halting any momentum. Nevertheless, debutant Shahidullah Kamal and skipper Rashid Khan showcased their skills, finishing strong and building a commendable total on the board.

Afghanistan spectacularly commenced their innings, with the opening pair delivering a dream start that any team would love to have in the T20 format. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran forged a formidable partnership, racking up an impressive 76 runs off just 47 balls. However, when Zimbabwe's need for a breakthrough became critical, their skipper, Sikandar Raza, rose to the occasion. In a stunning display of skill, Raza didn’t just claim the first wicket; he delivered a game changing performance by snatching three wickets in his consecutive overs, immediately altering the course of the match. Zadran, who had contributed a solid 52 runs, also fell prey to Raza's remarkable spell and removed the threat that loomed over the Chevrons.

Phew... What a rollercoaster of an inning it was! After the ups and downs, Afghanistan have put up a score of 180 runs on the board to challenge the Cherons, but looking back at the first half of the inning, they could have done even better. They were 103/2 in the 12th over, but kudos to the Zimbabwe bowling unit, who rose up to the occasion.

Richard Ngarava to Rashid Khan, SIX! Rashid Khan finishes off in style! What a way to end the innings. Short, on off, Rashid Khan stays in his crease and pulls it elegantly over square leg for a biggie. Afghanistan end their innings at 180/6!

Richard Ngarava to Shahidullah Kamal, Much fuller, on off, Shahidullah Kamal knocks it towards mid on for a single.

Richard Ngarava to Rashid Khan, Back of a length, on off, Rashid Khan looks to slap it but gets a bottom edge. The ball rolls through the left of the keeper towards fine leg. The batters collect a single.

Richard Ngarava to Rashid Khan, Play and a miss! Back of a length, outside off, and slower too. Rashid Khan swings hard but misses.

Richard Ngarava to Shahidullah Kamal, Too full, on leg, Shahidullah Kamal digs it towards mid on for a single.

Richard Ngarava to Shahidullah Kamal, FOUR! Excellent way to start the final over! On a length, on off, Shahidullah Kamal moves to his left and pulls it magnificently through square leg for a boundary.

Brad Evans to Rashid Khan, Hard length, outside off, and it keeps a tad low. Rashid Khan tries to slap it but misses.

Brad Evans to Shahidullah Kamal, On a length, down the leg side, Shahidullah Kamal looks to flick it, but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards the right of the keeper. The keeper comes forward and kicks the ball towards the stumps, but misses it. The ball rolls towards mid off as the batters collect a leg bye.

Brad Evans to Shahidullah Kamal, FOUR! Top shot from Shahidullah Kamal! On a length, on middle, Shahidullah Kamal moves forward and pulls it powerfully through backward square leg for a boundary.

Brad Evans to Rashid Khan, Slower one, outside off, Rashid Khan flat bats it towards long off for a single.

Brad Evans to Rashid Khan, Wide! A wayward bouncer, on off, Rashid Khan leaves. Wided.

The skipper, Rashid Khan walks in.

Brad Evans to Azmatullah Omarzai, OUT! TAKEN! Brad Evans strikes. Slower ball does the trick. On a length, on off, and slower too. Azmatullah Omarzai hangs back and looks to loft it but gets a top edge. The ball lobs in the air towards long off. Ryan Burl settles under it and completes the catch.

Brad Evans to Shahidullah Kamal, Keeps it full and outside off, Shahidullah Kamal pushes it towards mid off for a single.

Blessing Muzarabani to Azmatullah Omarzai, Back of a length, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai pulls it on the bounce towards deep square leg for a brace.

Blessing Muzarabani to Azmatullah Omarzai, NO BALL AND FOUR! A high full toss, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai uses the pace of the ball and helps it through the right of the keeper for a boundary. Also, it's a no ball for height. Free Hit coming up...

Blessing Muzarabani to Azmatullah Omarzai, Short ball, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to slap it but misses.

Blessing Muzarabani to Shahidullah Kamal, Slower one, outside off, Shahidullah Kamal pushes it towards backward point for a single.

Blessing Muzarabani to Azmatullah Omarzai, Length again, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it through covers for a single.

Blessing Muzarabani to Azmatullah Omarzai, On a length, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it through covers for a brace. 150 comes up for Afghanistan.

Blessing Muzarabani to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! Excellent from Azmatullah Omarzai! On a length, on middle and leg, Azmatullah Omarzai uses his feet and plunders it over long on as the ball sails into the stands.

Richard Ngarava to Shahidullah Kamal, FOUR! Top shot from Shahidullah Kamal! On a length, on leg, Shahidullah Kamal uses the pace of the ball and tickles it through fine leg for a boundary.

Richard Ngarava to Shahidullah Kamal, Short, on off, slower too. Shahidullah Kamal ducks under it.

Richard Ngarava to Shahidullah Kamal, FOUR! A much-needed boundary! On a length, on middle and leg, Shahidullah Kamal swivels and pulls it powerfully through square leg for a boundary.

Richard Ngarava to Azmatullah Omarzai, On a length, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai knocks it through mid on for a single.

Richard Ngarava to Shahidullah Kamal, Goes fuller, outside off, Sharafuddin Ashraf taps it towards cover for a single.

Richard Ngarava to Azmatullah Omarzai, Back of a length, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it to cover for a single.

Richard Ngarava to Azmatullah Omarzai, Wide! Down the leg side, Azmatullah Omarzai leaves it alone.

Blessing Muzarabani to Shahidullah Kamal, Length again, just outside off, Shahidullah Kamal stays back and taps it to the mid off fielder.

Blessing Muzarabani to Azmatullah Omarzai, Hard length, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai pushes it to cover for a quick single.

Blessing Muzarabani to Shahidullah Kamal, Much fuller, outside off, Shahidullah Kamal pushes it to point for a single.

Shahidullah Kamal walks in.

Blessing Muzarabani to Mohammad Nabi, OUT! LBW! Blessing Muzarabani gets a crucial wicket. On a length, on middle and leg, Mohammad Nabi gets cramped for room and he looks to flick it. Misses it completely as the ball hits his pads and rolls towards the right of the keeper. There is a loud appeal and the finger goes up straightaway. Mohammad Nabi departs without scoring a run.

Blessing Muzarabani to Mohammad Nabi, On a length, on off, Mohammad Nabi blocks it back towards the bowler.

Mohammad Nabi is the new batter.

Blessing Muzarabani to Sediqullah Atal, OUT! TAKEN! A fantastic catch form Tony Munyonga. Back of a length, on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal stays back and looks to pull it but mistimes his stroke. The ball carries towards deep square leg. Tony Munyonga runs to his right and takes an excellent low catch.

Tinotenda Maposa to Sediqullah Atal, Much fuller, on off, Sediqullah Atal knocks it down the ground for a single.

Tinotenda Maposa to Azmatullah Omarzai, Lands it down leg, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards fine leg. They collect a leg bye.

Tinotenda Maposa to Azmatullah Omarzai, On a length, on middle and leg, Azmatullah Omarzai flicks it through square leg for a brace. Excellent running between the wickets.

Tinotenda Maposa to Sediqullah Atal, Much fuller, on leg, Sediqullah Atal flicks it towards fine leg for a single.

Tinotenda Maposa to Sediqullah Atal, SIX! That will ease the pressure. A much-needed biggie. Back of a length, on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal swivels and pulls it powerfully over mid-wicket for a biggie.

Tinotenda Maposa to Azmatullah Omarzai, Back of a length, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it through cover for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Azmatullah Omarzai, Keeps it full, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai drags it through mid-wicket for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Sediqullah Atal, Too full, on leg, Sediqullah Atal digs it through mid-wicket for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Azmatullah Omarzai, Flatter, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai chips it on the bounce towards mid on for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Sediqullah Atal, Much fuller, outside off, Sediqullah Atal digs it towards cover for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Azmatullah Omarzai, Quicker, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai steers it to backward point for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Sediqullah Atal, Flatter, on leg, Sediqullah Atal flicks it to wide of mid on for a single.

Ryan Burl to Sediqullah Atal, Too full, on off, Sediqullah Atal pushes it to mid off for a single.

Ryan Burl to Sediqullah Atal, Flatter, outside off, Sediqullah Atal moves forward and chips it over mid off for a brace.

Ryan Burl to Azmatullah Omarzai, Short ball, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai flicks it to mid on for a single.

Ryan Burl to Azmatullah Omarzai, Flatter, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai slaps it towards the fielder at point.

Ryan Burl to Sediqullah Atal, Keeps it full, on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Ryan Burl to Azmatullah Omarzai, Tossed up, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai digs it towards mid off for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Sediqullah Atal, Short ball, on off, Sediqullah Atal punches it towards point.

Sikandar Raza to Sediqullah Atal, Quicker, on off, Sediqullah Atal blocks it towards the fielder at short third.

Sikandar Raza to Azmatullah Omarzai, Too full, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai pushes it towards mid off for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Azmatullah Omarzai, Too full, on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai blocks it to the right of the keeper.

Azmatullah Omarzai walks in to face the hat-trick ball.

Sikandar Raza to Darwish Rasooli, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Back-to-back wickets from Sikandar Raza. Flatter, down the leg side, Darwish Rasooli looks to flick it but gets a leading edge. The ball lobs backward towards the right of Sikandar Raza, who makes no mistake. Sikandar Raza is on a hattrick now!

Darwish Rasooli walks in.

Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, OUT! CAUGHT! Sikandar Raza gets another wicket. Flatter, on middle and leg, and it keeps a tad low. Ibrahim Zadran moves forward and looks to heave it but the ball hits the toe end of his bat. It carries towards deep mid-wicket. Ryan Burl settles under it and completes the catch.

Ryan Burl to Ibrahim Zadran, Much fuller, on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to cover for a single.

Ryan Burl to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Fifty up for Ibrahim Zadran! Much fuller, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran stays in his crease and drives it magnificently through covers for a boundary. 100 comes up for Afghanistan as well.

Ryan Burl to Sediqullah Atal, Too full, on off, Sediqullah Atal chips it over the right of the bowler for a single. Ryan Burl tried to take the catch but couldn't reach out to it.

Ryan Burl to Ibrahim Zadran, Short, on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it towards cover for a single.

Ryan Burl to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Top shot from Ibrahim Zadran! Keeps it full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran slashes it through backward point. The misfield results in a boundary.

Ryan Burl to Ibrahim Zadran, Ryan Burl comes into the attack and bowls it on middle, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Quicker, on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Sediqullah Atal, Keeps it full, outside off, Sediqullah Atal taps it towards cover for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Sediqullah Atal, Flatter, on off, Sediqullah Atal pushes it to cover.

Sikandar Raza to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! Top shot from Sediqullah Atal! Flatter, on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal uses his feet and drills it over mid on for a boundary.

Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Short, on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it to wide of mid on for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Sediqullah Atal, Slower one, on middle, Sediqullah Atal taps it to mid on for a single.

Tinotenda Maposa to Sediqullah Atal, On a length, on leg, Sediqullah Atal turns it to square leg for a single.

Tinotenda Maposa to Sediqullah Atal, Sways it down the leg side, Sediqullah Atal tries to flick it but misses. A stifled appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved. The ball had brushed his pads. Dot again.

Tinotenda Maposa to Sediqullah Atal, A full toss, on off, Sediqullah Atal drills it towards the mid off fielder. Dot.

Tinotenda Maposa to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran tugs it through square leg for a single.

Tinotenda Maposa to Sediqullah Atal, Length again, on off, Sediqullah Atal pushes it to short cover for a quick single.

Tinotenda Maposa to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length, on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran stays back in his crease and tucks it to mid on for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Short, on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it through covers for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Sediqullah Atal, Much fuller, on middle, Sediqullah Atal knocks it towards long on for a single.

Sediqullah Atal walks in at number 3.

Sikandar Raza to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUT! TAKEN! Sikandar Raza strikes. The change in bowling has worked for Zimbabwe. Flatter, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets down on one knee and looks to loft it. Gets a top edge as the ball goes high up in the air towards covers. Tadiwanashe Marumani runs backward and takes a good catch.

Sikandar Raza to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flatter, on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it through square leg for a brace.

Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Much fuller, on off, Ibrahim Zadran knocks it down to long on for a single.

Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Sikandar Raza comes into the attack and bowls it on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to the cover fielder.

Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, Hard length, targeting the stumps, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to cover for a single.

Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, Brad Evans keeps it full, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it to the cover fielder.

Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, Goes fuller, slower too. Ibrahim Zadran knocks it down the ground for a brace.

Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Excellent from Ibrahim Zadran! Short ball, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran makes room and chips it over backward point for a boundary.

Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, Short, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran swings hard but misses.

Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Much fuller, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz digs it towards long on for a single. Oh, it's a no ball for overstepping. Free hit coming up...

Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, Hard length, on off, Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to short cover for a single.

Tinotenda Maposa to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR MORE! Superb batting from Rahmanullah Gurbaz! On a length, on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz moves to his right and paddles it over short fine leg for another boundary.

Tinotenda Maposa to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Well played! Tinotenda Maposa errs his length down the leg side, Rahmanullah Gurbaz uses the pace of the ball and helps it fine down the leg side for a boundary.

Tinotenda Maposa to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slower one, on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz drags it through square leg for a brace.

Tinotenda Maposa to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, following the batter. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to pull it but gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls back towards the bowler.

Tinotenda Maposa to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short of a length, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles across to pull it but misses.

Tinotenda Maposa to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length, on middle and leg. Ibrahim Zadran tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to cover and gets a single.

Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! SHOT! 50 runs up for Afghanistan! Short of a length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran comes down the track to slap it over the cover region and gets the boundary.

Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran looks to push it away but misses.

Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, DROPPED! That should have been taken! Back of a length, on middle and leg. Rahmanullah Gurbaz once again goes for the pull shot but misses the ideal connection as the ball hits the top edge. It flies toward the far left of the fine leg fielder, who fails to judge it well and offers a dive at the end to get the skier, but the ball pops out of his palm as he lands on his elbow. Single taken in between!

Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! Up, up and away! Brad Evans pitches it up, on middle and leg. Rahmanullah Gurbaz opens his stance and slogs it over the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen.

Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Excellent shot! Short of a length, wide outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz hangs back, extends his arms and cuts it to the deep backward point fence for a boundary.

Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On a length, on middle and leg. Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls it wide of the square leg for a single.

Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Good-length delivery, on middle and leg. Ibrahim Zadran nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.

Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! This is Ibrahim Zadran at his best! Back of a length, just outside off. Ibrahim Zadran walks off the crease and punches it uppishly, toward the sweeper cover fence for four more runs.

Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, SIX! Smokes it away! Pitches it up, on middle and leg. Ibrahim Zadran clears his front foot and heaves it up and over the deep mid-wicket fence for the first biggie of the inning.

Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, on off and middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls it across the line toward the right of the mid-wicket fielder for a single.

Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length, on middle and leg. Ibrahim Zadran mistimes his pull to square leg for a single.

Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shortish, on middle and leg. Rahmanullah Gurbaz tries to upper cut, but misses the connection.

Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, around off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz stabs it to cover.

Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Hot knife, through butter! Richard Ngarava bowls it a touch fuller, just outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz walks off his crease and uses his bottom hand to loft it over the head of the extra cover fielder for another boundary. That's three boundaries in this over!

Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Rahmanullah Gurbaz, you beauty! Short, outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays back to his stance and cuts it uppishly, once again, toward deep cover for another boundary.

Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On a length, outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz shuffles a bit and offers a drive but fails to connect on the outside edge.

Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! CRACKED! Hard-length delivery, outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz camps back and cuts it uppishly, over the cover region and gets four more runs.

Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Muscles it away! Good-length delivery, on off and middle. Ibrahim Zadran pulls it to the deep square leg fence and gets the first boundary of the inning.

Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran attempts to smoke it away over cover, but gets the upper part of the bat. The ball loops safely toward the long off region, where the fielder tracks back and saves the boundary. A couple taken in between the wickets!

Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On a length, on off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls it to wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to push it away but gets beaten.

Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, around off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz stabs it to cover.

Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran steers it to deep backward point for one.

Blessing Muzarabani will operate from the other end.

Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, on leg and middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz defends it back to the bowler.

Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Pitches it up, on leg and middle. Ibrahim Zadran pushes it to left of the wide mid on for a single.

Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length, on middle. Ibrahim Zadran dabs it to mid-wicket.

Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Play and a miss! Good-length delivery, just outside off, angling it away. Ibrahim Zadran rocks back to punch it away but misses on the outer edge.

Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, around the hips of the batter. Rahmanullah Gurbaz misses his tuck and wears it on the thigh pad, toward the right of the short fine leg fielder and gets a quick single. Afghanistan are underway!

Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Richard Ngarava steams from over the wicket and bowls on a good length, pitching it just outside off and shaping it away, across the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to drill it away but gets beaten on the outside edge with a good amount of gap.

All in readiness now! The two umpires are on their way to the middle of the park and the players of Zimbabwe have scattered to take their respective fielding positions. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will be the opening pair for Afghanistan. Richard Ngarava is the man who gets the new ball in his hands. Away we go...

We are moments away from having the first delivery of the match but before that, both teams have lined up for their respective national anthems. Afghanistan will go first, followed by the hosts, Zimbabwe.

PITCH REPORT - Zimbabwe's recent Test win against Afghanistan has boosted their confidence, and they might fancy their chances in this T20I series. The weather is perfect, and the pitch looks excellent, hard and bare, with no grass to speak of. With an average first-innings score of 156, you'd think that's a good target, but given the pitch's characteristics, teams might need to aim higher, closer to 180. The boundaries are evenly balanced, with 75 meters on either side, which should lead to some exciting cricket

Sikandar Raza, skipper of Zimbabwe, says that they were looking forward to bowl first anyway as they have ga ood amount of pacers on their playing XI. Continues that their job hasn't finished just qualifying for the T20 World Cup. He reckons that the journey has just started. Ends up saying that the last time they had a series against their opposition, they won one, lost one, and the third went down to the wire, but this time they will swoop to take the series winner and his team is confident about it.

Rashid Khan, skipper of Afghanistan, says that he thinks scoring runs are important on this track as they have a good bowling lineup to defend the target. Adds that in the Asia Cup and the series against Bangladesh weren't well for the team, but they have worked on the areas they need to improve. It ends up saying that Shahidullah Kamal will make his T20I debut for Afghanistan, and the skipper is very excited for him, as they both know from their days of under-19 cricket.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Rashid Khan (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brendan Taylor (WK), Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.

TOSS - Afghanistan have won the toss and elected to BAT first.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, entered this series determined to move on from the Test disappointment. Their strength lies in spin and power-hitting. Skipper Rashid Khan remains a match-winner with the ball, and opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz, along with Ibrahim Zadran, offer a serious threat at the top of the order. Don't forget to put the spotlights on Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad, as there are huge possibilities these Afghan wizards might turn out to be lethal. So, will the Chevrons be able to capitalize on their test victory, or will Afghanistan be able to turn out as the stronger side in this shorter format? Let's find the answers together. Stay tuned for toss and team updates.

With that victory fresh in the memory, Zimbabwe will look to carry momentum into the shorter format, while Afghanistan will be keen to hit back and reset the balance. For Zimbabwe, confidence is high. Their recent Test win showcased a potent blend of bat and ball, and today that same energy will need to carry over. Their top-order batters like Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani have been in good nick in T20 World Cup qualifiers, while pace bowlers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani provide some serious firepower in the line-up. Zimbabwe will likely focus on grabbing early wickets to unsettle Afghanistan’s top order and use their home conditions to their fullest.

Welcome to the first match of the three-game T20I series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, coming up at the Harare Sports Club. The stage is set following Zimbabwe’s dominant victory in the two-match Test series, where the first one was a draw, but in the second and last one, the Chevrons beat by an innings and 73 runs. 

... MATCHDAY ...

In the grand theatre of cricket, every tour is a test of courage, where some end in heartbreak, others in rebirth. And oh, what a rebirth Zimbabwe have scripted! After that thumping win in the one-off Test, the home side now walks into this three-match T20I series against Afghanistan with their chests out and spirits sky-high. But wait, this isn’t just another bilateral series, as we see, whereas this is a stepping stone toward the T20I World Cup 2026, a proving ground for both sides still searching for rhythm and redemption. Can Zimbabwe continue their winning symphony? Or will Afghanistan’s maestros hit back in their favourite format? This tour, so far, has been all about contrasting fortunes. Zimbabwe outplayed Afghanistan in every department during the Test - winning by an innings and 73 runs - a victory that left the visitors bruised and questioning their approach. But T20 cricket is chaos! One good over, one big partnership, and everything changes. Both teams have stumbled in recent months, yet both arrive here knowing that each T20I now carries the weight of preparation, pride, and selection ahead of that grand 2026 stage in India and Sri Lanka. Let’s know about Afghanistan first - a team known for flair, fight, and unpredictability! Yet lately, it’s been a tough road. An early exit in the Asia Cup, where they missed qualifying for the Super Fours, followed by a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Bangladesh earlier this month, has left Rashid Khan’s men in search of answers. But what’s the good news? Rashid himself returns after being rested for the Test, ready to lead the charge with that fierce grin and faster-than-lightning googlies. Alongside him stand the familiar match-winners - Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Nabi, and Omarzai - each capable of turning games in minutes. Can they bounce back from the blues and find the spark that once terrified the world? You bet they’ll try. Numbers tell a story of potential that just needs ignition. Sediqullah Atal (306 runs) and Ibrahim Zadran (284 runs) have been among the runs this year, while Rashid Khan (18 wickets) and Noor Ahmad (11 wickets) continue to be magicians with the ball. But where’s the catch? Afghanistan’s batting collapses too often under pressure! Their middle order hasn’t yet found its rhythm, and the finishing touch - the Nabi or Omarzai special - has been missing in action. So yes, Afghanistan’s mission is clear - bat deep, bat smart, and let the bowlers do their wizardry without defending low totals again. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe are glowing with self-belief! They couldn’t have asked for a better start to the tour - their Test victory was not just a win, it was a statement, as this was their first home Test win in around 12 years. Now comes their turn to extend that dominance in the shortest format. But wait, can they fix their T20I record? They lost their home T20I series to Sri Lanka earlier this year, and despite flashes of brilliance, they’ve struggled with consistency. This series offers a golden chance to fix that narrative. Zimbabwe have their heroes too. Brian Bennett has been a revelation, with 708 runs in 18 games, while Ryan Burl (381 runs) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (384 runs) have added punch. On the bowling front, Richard Ngarava (25 wickets) and Brad Evans (18 wickets) have been absolute menaces with the new ball. Add Raza’s all-round class and the comeback of the experienced Graeme Cremer, and you have a team that looks ready to rattle cages. But every strength hides a worry, doesn’t it? Zimbabwe’s middle order has been too dependent on Raza and Burl, while their death bowling sometimes leaks runs faster than soda foam. Can they stay disciplined against Afghanistan’s fearless hitters? That’s the big question. Yet with the crowd behind them and the Harare sun shining, Zimbabwe will believe they can outthink and outfight their Asian challengers once again to take an early lead in this short series. So, what’s at stake for both sides? Everything! Afghanistan need redemption, rhythm, and reassurance before the T20 World Cup 2026, while Zimbabwe need validation, proof that their rebuild isn’t just emotional but effective. Both teams are in a similar boat, but only one can row faster toward that distant shore of consistency. The Harare Sports Club - ah, what a venue! Flat pitches that tease batters, hints of early seam, and spinners who can find joy later. Expect runs to flow, but only for those brave enough to take risks. A first-innings score of around 170 could be the golden number, and the evening breeze might tilt things toward chasing. Keep an eye on key duels - Rashid Khan vs Sikandar Raza - the magician versus the maverick! Bennett vs Mujeeb could define the Powerplay, and Omarzai vs Ngarava might light up the finish! So, who holds the edge? On paper, Afghanistan have more firepower and flair, but Zimbabwe carry form, momentum, and home comfort. It’s experience versus energy, passion versus pride - a contest that promises drama, delight, and perhaps a few broken hearts!