Afghanistan delivered a commanding performance to level the T20I series 1-1 against Zimbabwe with a 50-run victory at the Harare on Friday (December 13). A spirited batting recovery and disciplined bowling, led by Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq, sealed the win for Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s batting recovery led by Darwish Rasooli
Asked to bat first, Afghanistan stumbled early, losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal and Zubaid Akbari within the powerplay, leaving them struggling at 33/3. However, Darwish Rasooli anchored the innings with a responsible knock of 58 off 42 balls, his maiden T20I fifty. Rasooli found support from Azmatullah Omarzai, who contributed a brisk 28, and Gulbadin Naib, whose quickfire 26* lifted Afghanistan to a competitive total of 153/6. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, particularly Trevor Gwandu and Ryan Burl, impressed initially but failed to contain the middle and lower order, allowing Afghanistan to gain late momentum.
Also READ: ZIM vs AFG 2024: Date, Match Time, Broadcast and Live Streaming details
Zimbabwe’s faltering chase against Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq
In reply, Zimbabwe’s chase faltered early as Naveen struck in the powerplay, removing Tadiwanashe Marumani. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid then dismantled Zimbabwe’s lineup with clinical spells.
Brian Bennett (27) and Sikandar Raza (35) provided some resistance, with Raza playing aggressively to keep Zimbabwe’s hopes alive. However, Naveen dismissed Raza, triggering a collapse that saw Zimbabwe bowled out for 103 in 17.4 overs. Rashid claimed three wickets, while Naveen and Mujeeb added three and two wickets, respectively, to cap off a stellar bowling display.
Afghanistan’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection, with all members contributing. Rashid’s leadership and Naveen incisive opening spell were instrumental in dismantling Zimbabwe on a challenging two-paced surface. With the series now level, both teams will look to bring their best in the decider. Afghanistan demonstrated resilience and their ability to thrive under pressure, while Zimbabwe will aim to address their batting frailties to bounce back in the final match.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Another very poor batting performance from #Zimbabwe. Our batting is our Achilles heel and will remain so for so long as we do not select some of our best batsmen and retain players who have disappointed for some time.
In pure cricketing terms our selection policy is… https://t.co/WS45F8lBFn
— David Coltart (@DavidColtart) December 13, 2024
Naveenulhaq is also the leading wicket taker for @ACBofficials in 2024 (T20I) as well as the highest wicket taker in T20 format in the 🌍, he has bagged 76 wickets in his 60 appearances thus far.#AFGvZIM #ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/mj3k5mr6Ot
— Bashir Gharwal غروال (@bashir_gharwall) December 13, 2024
RESULT | AFGHANISTAN WON BY 50 RUNS 🚨
Naveen Ul Haq (3/19), Rashid Khan (3/20), and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/30) put on a terrific bowling effort to help #AfghanAtalan beat Zimbabwe by 50 runs and draw level the three-match T20I series 1-1. 👍#ZIMvAFG |… pic.twitter.com/dMnHwSAmIk
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 13, 2024
Burl was the best bowler today and didn’t get his full quota of overs, poor captaincy and field placement in the last 5-6 overs giving away so many runs, that’s where Zim lost. Raza may be the best all-rounder but he is a poor captain..#ZIMvAFG
— Lallu G Sharma (@lg_sharma) December 13, 2024
Afghanistan won 2nd T20I by 50 Runs. Career Best Highest individual T20I Score for D Rasooli 58(42). Fantastic spell Naveen ul haq 3/19 and Rashid Khan 3/20.#ZIMvAFG @ACBofficials @rashidkhan_19
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) December 13, 2024
After a disappointing bowling effort in the 1st T20 that resulted in a defeat, Afghanistan strikes back in the most emphatic manner by thrashing Zimbabwe by 50 runs in the 2nd T20I #ZIMvsAFG
— Ambika (@apmahapatra) December 13, 2024
Disappointing performance from the boys especially the top order. We don’t lose hope, we are level, lets get the job done tomorrow, i still feel we can win this series🇿🇼🇿🇼🇿🇼
Come on Chevrons
Come on Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/NE37PeGNyN— Freddy Michael Masarirevu (@freddyMM93) December 13, 2024
Ryan Burl needs to be replaced.
— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) December 13, 2024
Afghanistan levels the series 1-1!
They Beats Zimbabwe by 50 runs in 2nd T20I.
Sikandar Raza top-scored with 35 for Zimbabwe, who were bowled out for 103 in reply to Afghanistan’s 153.
Rashid Khan (3/20), Naveen ul Haq (3/19) & Mujeeb (2/30) starred for Afghanistan.#AFGvZIM pic.twitter.com/OGZfXuyAFo
— Muhammad Areeb Uddin Sheikh. #AreebCricketWorld (@areeb_7official) December 13, 2024
A stellar performance by Afghanistan! 🇦🇫🔥
With a remarkable bowling display, Naveen-ul-Haq (3/19), Rashid Khan (3/20), and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/30) powered #AfghanAtalan to a 50-run victory against Zimbabwe.Chasing 154, Zimbabwe was bundled out for just 103, leveling the series… https://t.co/8MG6SyZgxv
— Abidullah Hedayat (@DrAbidullahH) December 13, 2024