Harare, Zimbabwe: Hosts Zimbabwe faced sanctions for maintaining a slow over-rate during the third and final T20I against Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club. The match concluded the three-match series between the two sides, with Afghanistan emerging victorious to claim the series.
The penalty was imposed under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate violations. According to the regulation, players are fined 5% of their match fees for every over their team fails to deliver within the stipulated time. Zimbabwe’s captain, Sikandar Raza, accepted the charge leveled by the Emirates ICC Elite Panel Match Referee, Andy Pycroft. The on-field umpires Iknow Chabi and Forster Mutizwa, third umpire Percival Sizara, and fourth umpire Langton Rusere oversaw the enforcement of the rule.
Afghanistan Clinches T20I Series Despite Tough Fight from Zimbabwe
The three-match series kicked off with Zimbabwe claiming victory in the opening game. However, Afghanistan rallied back with consecutive wins to secure the series. The final match saw Afghanistan overcoming a spirited effort from the hosts to clinch a narrow three-wicket victory.
After Afghanistan won the toss, Rashid Khan opted to bowl first. Zimbabwe’s openers, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett, got off to a modest start, managing only six runs for the first wicket. Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq provided an early breakthrough by dismissing Marumani in the first over.
Dion Myers and Brian Bennett stabilized Zimbabwe’s innings with a 35-run partnership, while Wessly Madhevere contributed valuable runs in the middle order. Late contributions from Tashinga Musekiwa and Wellington Masakadza helped Zimbabwe reach a total of 127 runs.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack was led by Rashid Khan, who delivered a stellar performance with figures of 4/27 in four overs. Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Azmatullah Omarzai supported him well, claiming two wickets each.
Afghanistan’s Narrow Victory in the Chase
Chasing 128, Afghanistan’s top order struggled against Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling. However, crucial innings from Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, and Mohammad Nabi turned the tide in Afghanistan’s favor. Despite a challenging bowling effort by Zimbabwe, Afghanistan reached the target with just three balls to spare.
Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, and Sikandar Raza each took two wickets for Zimbabwe, keeping the game competitive till the final moments. Omarzai’s impactful knock earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award, while Naveen-ul-Haq was named ‘Player of the Series’ for his consistent performances throughout the series.
Summary of Scores
Zimbabwe: 127 all out
Afghanistan: 128/7 in 19.3 overs
With this victory, Afghanistan claimed the series 2-1 and will now prepare to face Zimbabwe in the upcoming ODI and Test matches as part of the ongoing all-format tour.
