Zimbabwe clinched an exhilarating victory against Afghanistan in the first T20I of their series on December 11, 2024 at the Harare Sports Club. This match was not only significant for the hosts as they took a 1-0 lead in the series but also marked Zimbabwe’s first win over Afghanistan in T20 internationals since 2019. The match was characterized by intense pressure, dramatic moments, and a standout performance from Zimbabwe’s Tashinga Musekiwa, who played a pivotal role in securing the win.
Naveen-ul-Haq’s nightmare over at a crucial point against Zimbabwe
The match took a decisive turn during the 15th over bowled by Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq. Needing to defend a target of 145 runs, Afghanistan found themselves in a precarious position when Naveen delivered a disastrous over that spanned 13 balls. This over included six wides and one no-ball, ultimately costing Afghanistan 19 runs and shifting the momentum firmly towards Zimbabwe. Naveen began with a wide, followed by a single from Brian Bennett, but what followed was a series of missteps that allowed Zimbabwe to capitalize on the situation.
Despite taking the crucial wicket of Sikandar Raza on the third legitimate ball of his over, Naveen’s inability to maintain control proved costly. His figures for the match ended at 4 overs, 33 runs, and 3 wickets, showcasing both his potential and the impact of his erratic bowling during that critical over.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Zimbabwe stuns Afghanistan in a last-ball thriller to win the 1st T20I
Here’s the video:
Can you count how many balls did he bowl in that over? Because we lost count!😵💫
Afghanistan’s Naveen-Ul-Haq bowled a lengthy 14th over which proved to be decisive!🫣#ZIMvAFGonFanCode pic.twitter.com/MdeAWHJlEg
— FanCode (@FanCode) December 11, 2024
Zimbabwe’s resilient chase lead them to the victory
Zimbabwe’s innings was marked by resilience and strategic partnerships. After being reduced to 128/7, they needed 17 runs from the last two overs. Brian Bennett (49 runs) and Dion Myers (32 runs) formed a crucial partnership that laid the foundation for the chase. Their efforts were complemented by Musekiwa’s calmness under pressure as he navigated through the final overs.
With 11 runs required from the last over, Azmatullah Omarzai took to bowl for Afghanistan, but Musekiwa’s decisive batting led to a nail-biting finish. He struck a boundary on the last ball of the match, securing victory for Zimbabwe by four wickets and sending the home crowd into jubilation.
This victory not only boosts Zimbabwe’s confidence but also serves as a reminder of their capabilities on the international stage. The match showcased their ability to perform under pressure, especially in high-stakes situations where every run counts. For Afghanistan, while there were standout performances from players like Karim Janat (54 not out) and Mohammed Nabi (44), Naveen’s over will be remembered as a turning point that cost them dearly.