Zimbabwe secured a nail-biting victory over Afghanistan at the Harare Sports Club, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The match, which went down to the final ball, was heavily influenced by a dramatic 13-ball over from Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq, tilting the game in favor of the hosts.
The Turning Point: Naveen’s Chaotic Over
During Zimbabwe’s run chase, Naveen-ul-Haq bowled a highly eventful 15th over that changed the course of the game. The over, which included seven extra deliveries, leaked 19 crucial runs and shifted momentum toward Zimbabwe.
It began with a wide, followed by a legal delivery, only for Naveen to bowl a waist-high no-ball that Sikandar Raza dispatched for a boundary. The subsequent free-hit saw four consecutive wides, with Naveen attempting to keep the ball away from Raza’s hitting zone. When he finally bowled a legal delivery for the free-hit, it too was sent to the boundary.
Though Naveen managed to dismiss Raza on the third legal delivery of the over, the damage had already been done. The over concluded with three singles and an additional wide, reducing the equation from 57 runs needed off 36 balls to 38 off 30.
Afghanistan Fights Back
Despite the setback, Afghanistan clawed their way back into the match. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman delivered exceptional overs, conceding just three and four runs, respectively, while Rashid dismissed two key batters, including Brian Bennett, who was well-set on 49.
The Afghan bowlers left Zimbabwe needing 21 runs off the last two overs, setting up a thrilling finish.
Zimbabwe Hold Their Nerve
Naveen returned for the penultimate over, removing Wessly Madhevere but conceding 10 runs to keep Zimbabwe in the hunt. With 11 runs required off the final over, Azmatullah Omarzai stepped up to bowl. However, Tashinga Musekiwa played a composed knock, steering Zimbabwe to victory off the final ball of the match.
A Memorable Win for Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s last-ball triumph showcased their resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities. While Afghanistan’s spinners gave them a chance to pull off a remarkable defense, Naveen-ul-Haq’s 13-ball over proved to be the decisive moment in this thrilling contest.
