Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S hopes of salvaging pride were swept away yesterday as the Chevrons crashed to a 3-0 series whitewash, falling nine runs short in their final T20I against Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club.
Chasing a mammoth 210, Zimbabwe showed fight with the bat but were bowled out for 201 with one ball remaining. It was another display of intent that came too late in a series where Afghanistan’s power hitters simply dominated.
The visitors, still buzzing after an innings defeat in the lone Test earlier on tour, made their statement early. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran ripped through Zimbabwe’s bowlers with a brutal 159 run stand for the first wicket that silenced the home crowd.
Gurbaz, who survived a dropped catch on 27, made Zimbabwe pay dearly. He clobbered eight fours and five sixes on his way to a blistering 92 off 48 balls and deservedly walked away with the Man of the Match award. Zadran played the perfect foil, making 60 from 49 deliveries before Brad Evans finally ended his resistance.
Captain Sikandar Raza provided a rare highlight with a spectacular diving catch off Richard Ngarava to dismiss Gurbaz and briefly lift the spirits of the hosts. But Afghanistan’s Sediqullah Atal added to the misery, blasting 35 off 15 balls as they posted a commanding 210/3.
Brad Evans finished with 2-33 and Ngarava claimed 1-40, but Zimbabwe’s fielding once again let them down with dropped catches proving costly.
The chase began on the wrong foot. Dion Myers (5) and Brendan Taylor (4) departed cheaply, leaving the job to Raza and young Brian Bennett. The pair rebuilt impressively, adding 85 runs for the third wicket. Bennett struck a composed 47 while Raza led from the front with 51, bringing the crowd back to life at 92/2 by the halfway mark.
Just as momentum swung Zimbabwe’s way, Mohammad Nabi struck to remove Raza, and Bennett followed soon after. Ryan Burl then lit up the ground with a fiery 37 off just 15 balls, smashing five sixes to keep the chase alive. Tashinga Musekiwa also chipped in with brave lower order runs, but the target proved a step too high.
Abdollah Ahmadzai was Afghanistan’s hero with the ball, claiming 3-43 as Zimbabwe’s innings closed on 201.
