Win Projections to be updated soon
- Scorecard is available here
Harare, 30 October 2025:
All-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai delivered a commanding performance with both bat and ball as Afghanistan thrashed Zimbabwe by 53 runs in the opening T20 international at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.
Omarzai struck a brisk 27 off 21 balls before returning to take 3 for 29, helping Afghanistan bowl out Zimbabwe for 127 in 16.1 overs while defending a total of 180 for 6. His all-round display earned him the Player of the Match award.
After being sent in to bat, Afghanistan built their innings around half-centuries from Ibrahim Zadran (52 off 33) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (39 off 25). The pair added 76 for the first wicket in just over seven overs, giving the visitors a flying start.
Skipper Rashid Khan (8 not out) and Shahidullah (22 not out) provided late acceleration as Afghanistan finished at a healthy 9 runs per over. Offspinner Sikandar Raza was Zimbabwe’s standout bowler, claiming 3 for 20 from his four overs, while Blessing Muzarabani took two wickets.
In reply, Zimbabwe’s chase unraveled early as Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Omarzai ripped through the top order. The hosts slumped to 25 for 4 inside three overs, losing Raza (1) and senior batter Brendan Taylor (0) cheaply.
Despite brief resistance from Tinotenda Maposa (32 off 15) and Brad Evans (24), Zimbabwe never recovered. Mujeeb finished with 4 for 20 and Abdollah Ahmadzai chipped in with two wickets as Afghanistan sealed a comfortable win with nearly four overs to spare.
The victory gave Afghanistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second T20I will be played at the same venue on Friday.
Scores in brief:
Afghanistan won by 53 runs.
Afghanistan 180-6 in 20 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 52, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 39, Sikandar Raza 3-20);
Zimbabwe 127 in 16.1 overs (Maposa 32, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 4-20, Azmatullah Omarzai 3-29)
