Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE national cricket team suffered a disappointing T20I series whitewash at the hands of bogey side Afghanistan last night following a seven-wicket loss in the third T20I at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The contest followed a familiar script as Zimbabwe’s batting frailties were once again exposed. The Chevrons were dismissed for a paltry 79 in just 14.3 overs before Afghanistan cruised to victory with more than 11 overs to spare.
Afghanistan completed the chase in only 8.1 overs despite losing three wickets. Mohammad Akram (14), Sedidullah Atal (20) and Noor ul Rahman (0) fell along the way, but captain Ibrahim Zadran finished unbeaten on 25 while Azmatullah Omarzai remained not out on 18 as the hosts wrapped up the series in emphatic fashion.
The victory capped a dominant run for Afghanistan, who remained unbeaten throughout the white-ball leg of the tour following their success in the earlier triangular series that also featured Bangladesh.
Zimbabwe made two changes to the side yesterday, recalling Newman Nyamhuri and Blessing Muzarabani after the pair recovered from injuries.
However, the tourists made a disastrous start after losing the toss and being sent in to bat. Their top order once again failed to provide a platform, with Innocent Kaia (5), Brian Bennett (2) and captain Sikandar Raza (2) all departing for single-digit scores inside the powerplay.
Bennett failed to capitalise after receiving an early reprieve when he was put down by Omarzai off the second ball of the innings.
Ryan Burl offered the only significant resistance with a top score of 30. Together with Wessly Madhevere (10), he shared a 43-run fourth-wicket partnership, but wickets continued to tumble around them as the Chevrons struggled against a disciplined Afghan attack.
Noor Ahmad, one of four changes made by Afghanistan for the dead-rubber encounter, starred with the ball, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul and finishing with impressive figures of 5-13.
It was also a memorable debut for Abdullah Tarakhail, who picked up two wickets while maintaining excellent economy.
Afghanistan were never seriously challenged in pursuit of the modest target. Scoring at more than nine runs an over, they raced to 81/3 to seal the clean sweep.
Muzarabani claimed one wicket while Ernest Masuku took 2-21 from his two overs, but their efforts were not enough to prevent another comprehensive defeat.
The result extended Afghanistan’s dominance over Zimbabwe in the shortest format.
The Blue Tigers have now won all eight T20I series contested between the two nations and hold an overwhelming 22-2 advantage in head-to-head T20I matches.
The teams will now turn their attention to the two-Test series that concludes the multi-format tour, with Zimbabwe hoping to salvage pride after a largely disappointing campaign.
