CHEVRONS MISS BEST CHANCE FOR SERIES WIN

Brandon Moyo

Zimpapers Sports Hub

ZIMBABWE will have to wait a little longer to secure a T20I series win over Afghanistan after losing yet another one at Harare Sports Club on Saturday afternoon.

With the three-match series tied at one-all going into Saturday’s game, there was everything to play for.

However, the Chevrons produced yet another dismal performance, losing the match by three wickets and effectively surrendering the series 2-1.

Zimbabwe slumped to their seventh consecutive bilateral series loss in T20Is against Afghanistan.

Their solitary win was also their first against the Asian side in the format five years ago.

The first bilateral series between the two nations was in 2014 and ended 2-2, before Afghanistan registered a 3-2 win in 2015/16.

Chevrons captain Sikandar Raza said they did not put enough runs on the board to give their bowlers something to defend.

“I don’t think this is a wicket where you score 127; we needed 150 here. With the big boundaries, a lot of good running is required.

“We played too many big shots to get those runs, and we’re repeating those mistakes. But I’m hopeful we’ll turn it around. I don’t think it’s mental, the dressing room is quite relaxed, and everyone is backing each other.

“We targeted the wrong bowlers at the wrong time. Once the singles dried up, we only tried to hit boundaries. The top seven batters had 21 dismissals, and the majority played the wrong shots at the wrong time.

“We tried everything, and that’s why the game went to the last over. It’s just not meant to be. It’s quite difficult to defend 127, and those extras certainly killed us.”

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan was pleased with his team’s fighting spirit after losing the first game.

“The way we came back was great, especially our fielding, which is very key on such big grounds. It’s always crucial to finish games, especially low-scoring ones, which are tough.

“The partnership between Azmat and Naib was crucial, but there’s still a lot to learn, especially for big games in major events.

“80-90 percent of our team is the ODI team, so they know how to approach it; they’ve seen the conditions, and winning always gives you a good vibe in the dressing room,” he said.

Brandon Bennett top-scored for Zimbabwe with 31 runs off 24 balls, while Wessly Madhevere chipped in with 21 runs from 22 deliveries.