Online Reporter
CAN the Chevrons bounce back and keep the T20I series alive at Harare Sports Club today?
The Chevrons square off against Afghanistan in the second T20I with the visitors just a win away from taking an unassailable lead.
The Blue Tigers won the first T20I at the same venue and a win today will give them a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Ibrahim Zadran looked in sublime touch in the first T20I, playing some glorious shots.
He scored 52 off just 33 deliveries, hitting six fours and one six.
The right-handed batter likes to take his time before going for the big shots.
This method could stand him in good stead again today.
Azmatullah Omarzai bowled a brilliant spell with the new ball in the first T20I.
He picked up the wickets of Brian Bennet, Sikandar Raza, and Ryan Burl, finishing with figures of 3/29 in four overs.
In the first T20I, Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan won the toss and opted to bat first.
His openers forged a brilliant 76-run opening stand inside eight overs to give the team a great platform.
While Gurbaz made 39, Zadran smashed a half-century. Azmatullah Omarzai and Shahidullah Kamal played crucial knocks down the order to help the tourists finish on 180/6.
In reply, three out of the top five Zimbabwean batters were dismissed for ducks.
Bennett did get off to a flying start, but couldn’t capitalise.
The hosts were in dire straits at 68/7 before a 53-run partnership off 30 balls took them past the 100-run mark.
Tinotenda Maposa top-scored for Zimbabwe with a 15-ball 32 before the Chevrons were bowled out for 127 in 16.1 overs.
The surface for the first T20I was good for batting, but it also had some assistance for the bowlers.
If the second T20I is played on the same pitch, similar things can be expected.
Predicted Playing XIs
Zimbabwe
Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brendan Taylor (WK), Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.
Afghanistan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Shahidullah Kamal, Rashid Khan (C), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai. — Sports Reporter/Cricktracker
Mathew Masinge