Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE got their tour of the United Arab Emirates off to a disappointing start after losing by 37 runs to Afghanistan in the first T20 International at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing a target of 178 runs, the Chevrons were bowled out for 140 in 19.1 overs, struggling to build partnerships against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
Ryan Burl top-scored for Zimbabwe with 32 runs off 24 balls, including two sixes, while Innocent Kaia contributed 24 off 26 deliveries.
Wessly Madhevere provided a brief burst of aggression, scoring 17 off just eight balls, while captain Sikandar Raza made 17 off 13 deliveries.
However, Zimbabwe kept losing wickets at regular intervals and failed to mount a serious challenge, with Afghanistan’s bowlers sharing the wickets.
Fazalhaq Farooqi was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for 13 runs in 3.1 overs. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai took two wickets apiece, while Shahidullah Kamal claimed one.
Earlier, Afghanistan posted 177 before being bowled out in 19.5 overs.
Zimbabwe will be looking to bounce back in the remaining matches of the series as they seek to improve their performance against a formidable Afghanistan side.
