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Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, 1st T20I Match Summary

ZIM vs AFG, 2025 - T20 Summary

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Scorecard
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Match Ended   
1st T20I, Harare Sports Club, Harare , Oct 29, 2025
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe
127 (16.1/20)
Afghanistan Afghanistan
180/6 (20.0/20)
Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by 53 runs
  • Player of the Match
    Azmatullah Omarzai
    27(21)&3/29(4)
AFG 180/6
Bat Top Batsmen
<a href=/cricket/players/111850-ibrahim-zadran-playerprofile>Ibrahim Zadran</a>
Ibrahim Zadran
52 (33)
  • 6x4s
  • 1x6s
  • 157.57SR
<a href=/cricket/players/111914-rahmanullah-gurbaz-playerprofile>Rahmanullah Gurbaz</a>
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
39 (25)
  • 6x4s
  • 1x6s
  • 156SR
Bowl Top Bowlers
Bowler
Sikandar Raza
ECON 5.00
4
OVERS
20/3
R/W
Bowler
Blessing Muzarabani
ECON 10.25
4
OVERS
41/2
R/W
ZIM 127/10
Bat Top Batsmen
<a href=/cricket/players/122005-tinotenda-maposa-playerprofile>Tinotenda Maposa</a>
Tinotenda Maposa
32 (15)
  • 5x4s
  • 0x6s
  • 213.33SR
<a href=/cricket/players/115106-brian-bennet-playerprofile>Brian Bennett</a>
Brian Bennett
24 (15)
  • 3x4s
  • 1x6s
  • 160SR
Bowl Top Bowlers
Bowler
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
ECON 6.66
3
OVERS
20/4
R/W
Bowler
Azmatullah Omarzai
ECON 7.25
4
OVERS
29/3
R/W
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So, that’s that from the first T20I. Afghanistan win by 53 runs and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. Zimbabwe will have to regroup quickly and find answers with both bat and ball. The second T20I will be played on Friday, 31st October, with the first ball scheduled for 11.30 am GMT. Do join us an hour early for all the pre-match buildup and insights. Afghanistan will look to seal the series, while Zimbabwe will fight to stay alive. For now, it’s the Afghans who dance in joy, and the Zimbabweans reflect in silence. Until then, breathe and smile! TAKE CARE! CIAO!
The victorious skipper of Afghanistan, Rashid Khan, says that he is pretty happy with the win, especially after losing their last five T20Is. Mentions that the team needed this victory badly, and it was a brilliant all-round effort from everyone. Praises the openers for giving a strong base, which allowed the rest of the lineup to capitalise. Rashid highlights that this is the same group that reached the 2024 T20I World Cup semifinals, and that they never needed many changes, just better execution. Adds that the key was to start well both with bat and ball, something they missed in recent matches. With power-hitters in the middle-order and rising stars like Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid feels confident that Afghanistan can carry this momentum forward.
Azmatullah Omarzai is adjudged the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his impressive all-round performance. He says that he’s happy with the win, crediting Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz for providing a strong start that allowed the team to carry the momentum forward. Mentions that the wicket was on the slower side, so they focused on using variations effectively while bowling. Adds that the team initially targeted a score around 160, but reaching 180 made things very comfortable for their bowlers. Praising the bowling unit, he says that everyone executed their roles well, and the team is delighted with how they performed overall.
The skipper of Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza, says that the Afghan batters played well in the Powerplay, and that made the difference. He feels a score around 165 could have changed the game, as the pitch didn’t have much pace but was still very chaseable. Admits that his side was a bit off the mark and lacked precision at the top, something they’ll look to improve. Adds that they were slightly unlucky at times, but if they had wickets in hand by the 15th over, it could’ve been a different story altogether. Praises the lower order for showing some fight, though he says they don’t want to rely on them too often. Looking ahead, Raza hopes that the team can bounce back stronger on Friday with better execution and more discipline.
Time for the Post-Match Presentations...
But as soon as they looked set, Mujeeb came back to finish the job. He dismissed both Evans and Maposa in the same over, ending with 4/20 - a spell of pure class. Azmatullah also impressed with 3/29, while Abdollah Ahmadzai picked two. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 127 in 16.1 overs, falling short by 53 runs. Their effort with the bat lacked depth, but their fighting spirit late in the game will be something to carry into the next one.
Tony Munyonga and Musekiwa tried to rebuild, but there was too much to do and too little support. Then came a run-out, a real 'oh no' moment for Zimbabwe as Musekiwa departed after some lazy running. At 68/7, it was all but over. However, a fighting stand between Brad Evans and Tinotenda Maposa gave the fans something to cheer about. Both played freely, adding a 53-run eight-wicket partnership that showed courage and character even as the required rate kept climbing.
Chasing 181, Zimbabwe’s openers started with intent - Brian Bennett was on fire, smashing three boundaries in the first over! But Mujeeb had other plans. He came in and struck not once but twice in the second over of the second innings, removing both Marumani and Taylor. Then, Azmatullah joined the party, dismissing Raza and Burl in quick succession. Within the first three overs, Zimbabwe were gasping at 25/4. The Powerplay ended at 35/5, and suddenly that 181 looked like Mount Everest.
But then came Sikandar Raza, the captain, the crisis man, and the hope of Zimbabwean fans. He turned the game for a moment, removing both Ibrahim and Rasooli on consecutive balls - a stunning double strike! The Afghans slipped from 103/1 to 103/3, suddenly losing their flow. But as they always do, they rebuilt. Azmatullah Omarzai and Shahidullah stitched together a vital partnership later on, keeping the run rate healthy with sharp running and calculated hitting. In the end, Shahidullah’s 22 unbeaten and a handy cameo from Rashid Khan took Afghanistan to 180/6, a total that looked strong but not unreachable.
Afghanistan, after winning the toss, decided to bat first, and boy, did their openers make full use of that decision! Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran came out all guns blazing, adding 76 runs in no time. The ball was racing off the bat, boundaries flying, and Zimbabwe were left scratching their heads. Gurbaz fell for a quickfire 39, but Ibrahim continued the assault, raising his fifty off just 31 balls. The scoreboard read 103/1 in the 11th over, and it looked like a 200-plus total was brewing.
A day of dominance, and dazzling bowling - Afghanistan crush Zimbabwe by 53 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series! From blistering starts to breathtaking collapses, this game had it all. The Afghans showed why they’re among the best T20 sides, controlling almost every phase after the first innings. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, looked promising early but soon found themselves tangled in Afghanistan’s spin web. Their late fightback added respectability to the scorecard, but it wasn’t enough to stop a red-hot Afghan side from storming to victory in Harare.
Over 16.1 : 127/10
0 Runs
  • W 16.1
B. Muzarabani
1 (2)
R. Ngarava
5 (2)
A. Ahmadzai
2.1-0-20-2
16.1
W
Abdullah Ahmadzai To Blessing Muzarabani OUT!
OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! DONE AND DUSTED! Abdullah Ahmadzai hurls it on a length and bowls it from wide of the crease to create an inward angle. Pitches it up and keeps the line around middle. The ball keeps coming back and cramps the batter. Blessing Muzarabani tries to get away from it as he hangs his bat in front, but gets a bit late. The ball beats the inside edge of the bat, brushes his front pad and crashes into the middle stump. Afghanistan win the first T20I by 53 runs.
Over 16 : 127/9
8 Runs
  • 215.1
  • W 15.2
  • 415.3
  • 115.4
  • W 15.5
  • 115.6
B. Muzarabani
1 (1)
R. Ngarava
5 (2)
Ur Rahman
3-0-20-4
15.6
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Blessing Muzarabani
On the fuller side, around leg, Blessing Muzarabani nudges it to deep square leg for a single.
15.5
W
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Tinotenda Maposa OUT!
OUT! TAKEN! Tossed up by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, on middle and off. Tinotenda Maposa gets down on one knee, looking for a slog sweep. The ball catches the top edge, and the ball loops high up in the sky to the right of the keeper. Gurbaz makes no mistake in catching it safely in his gloves. Zimbabwe lose their ninth wicket, and Blessing Muzarabani stepped on the field as the last man.
15.4
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Richard Ngarava
Pitches it up, around leg. Richard Ngarava flicks it wide of long on for a couple of runs.
15.3
4
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Richard Ngarava
Streaky! Fuller, pitches it just outside off and spins it in. Richard Ngarava looks to drive but the ball catches the inner edge to zip past the leg pole and beats the short fine leg fielder for four runs.
Richard Ngarava walks out next to bat.
15.2
W
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Brad Evans OUT!
OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! A dangerously looking partnership has come to an end, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman gets his third wicket! He pitches it up, on off and middle, angling in. Brad Evans looks to flick it, but closes his willow a bit early. The ball hits the leading edge, and the ball flies straight to the bowler, where Rahman does well to hold his composure and reverse scoop it near his stomach.
15.1
2
Mujeeb Ur Rahman To Brad Evans
Short, on middle. Brad Evans tucks it toward long on and gets a brace.
Over 15 : 119/7
11 Runs
  • 214.1
  • 114.2
  • 214.3
  • 014.4
  • 414.5
  • 214.6
T. Maposa
32 (14)
B. Evans
22 (17)
A. Omarzai
4-0-29-3
14.6
2
Azmatullah Omarzai To Tinotenda Maposa
Short, outside off. Tinotenda Maposa punches it toward deep cover for a couple of runs. A 50-run partnership is up between these two batters!
14.5
4
Azmatullah Omarzai To Tinotenda Maposa
FOUR! Runs are coming thick and fast for Zimbabwe! Back of a length, outside off. Tinotenda Maposa slaps it to the left of the sweeper cover. The fielder has a chase toward the rolling ball and uses his feet to save the boundary, but the momentum of the ball helps the chevrons to hit the boundary ropes.
14.4
0
Azmatullah Omarzai To Tinotenda Maposa
Slower, full and outside off. Tinotenda Maposa tries to hit it across the line but misses.
14.3
2
Azmatullah Omarzai To Tinotenda Maposa
Lands it full and around off, does Omarzai. Tinotenda Maposa clears his front leg away and tries to slog it. But he ends up mistiming it off the toe end of the bat and the ball goes towards long off. Mohammad Nabi runs across to his left there but as he sees the ball going over his head, he tries to go back, but the ball lands short of him and goes over his extended right hand. Two runs taken.
14.2
1
Azmatullah Omarzai To Brad Evans
Fuller, down the leg side. Brad Evans clips it toward square leg for a single.
14.1
2
Azmatullah Omarzai To Brad Evans
Short, on middle and leg. Brad Evans pulls it wide of long on for a brace.
Over 14 : 108/7
16 Runs
  • 413.1
  • 413.2
  • 113.3
  • 113.4
  • 213.5
  • 413.6
T. Maposa
24 (10)
B. Evans
19 (15)
F. Ahmad
3-0-27-0
13.6
4
Fareed Ahmad To Tinotenda Maposa
FOUR! Just over the fielder! Good-length delivery, around off. Tinotenda Maposa slaps it uppishly. The ball flies flat and sails just over the head of the fielder, patrolling wide long off. He was placed much shorter from the boundary line, therefore, the ball loops over him and bounces just inside the field of play and hits the fence.
13.5
2
Fareed Ahmad To Tinotenda Maposa
Pitches it up, on middle and leg. Tinotenda Maposa heaves it to the left of the long on fielder and gets a brace.
13.4
1
Fareed Ahmad To Brad Evans
Slower and on a length, just outside off. Brad Evans pokes it toward the off side for a single.
13.3
1
Fareed Ahmad To Tinotenda Maposa
On a length, on off. Tinotenda Maposa stabs it to point for one.
13.2
4
Fareed Ahmad To Tinotenda Maposa
FOUR! CRACKED! Short and outside off. Tinotenda Maposa slaps it wide of the cover fielder to get four more runs.
Full Commentary
16 OV
8 Runs
Ur Rahman to B. Evans R. Ngarava T. Maposa B. Muzarabani
  • 215.1
  • W 15.2
  • 415.3
  • 115.4
  • W 15.5
  • 115.6
15 OV
11 Runs
A. Omarzai to B. Evans T. Maposa
  • 214.1
  • 114.2
  • 214.3
  • 014.4
  • 414.5
  • 214.6
14 OV
16 Runs
F. Ahmad to T. Maposa B. Evans
  • 413.1
  • 413.2
  • 113.3
  • 113.4
  • 213.5
  • 413.6
13 OV
9 Runs
S. Kamal to T. Maposa B. Evans
  • 212.1
  • 412.2
  • 112.3
  • 012.4
  • 112.5
  • 112.6
12 OV
6 Runs
R. Khan to B. Evans T. Maposa
  • 111.1
  • 111.2
  • 411.3
  • 011.4
  • 011.5
  • 011.6
11 OV
9 Runs
S. Kamal to T. Musekiwa B. Evans
  • 010.1
  • W 10.2
  • 210.3
  • 410.4
  • 210.5
  • 110.6
10 OV
7 Runs
R. Khan to T. Musekiwa B. Evans
  • 19.1
  • 09.2
  • 19.3
  • 49.4
  • 09.5
  • 19.6
9 OV
14 Runs
A. Ahmadzai to T. Munyonga T. Musekiwa B. Evans
  • 48.1
  • 38.2
  • 18.3
  • 48.4
  • W 8.5
  • 28.6
8 OV
6 Runs
F. Ahmad to T. Musekiwa T. Munyonga
  • 07.1
  • 17.2
  • 17.3
  • 37.4
  • 17.5
  • 07.6
7 OV
6 Runs
A. Ahmadzai to T. Munyonga T. Musekiwa
  • 06.1
  • 16.2
  • 06.3
  • 46.4
  • 06.5
  • 16.6
6 OV
5 Runs
F. Ahmad to T. Munyonga T. Musekiwa
  • 45.1
  • 05.2
  • 05.3
  • 05.4
  • 15.5
  • 05.6
5 OV
2 Runs
A. Omarzai to B. Bennett T. Munyonga
  • 14.1
  • 14.2
  • 04.3
  • 04.4
  • 04.5
  • W 4.6
4 OV
3 Runs
Ur Rahman to B. Bennett T. Munyonga
  • 23.1
  • 13.2
  • 03.3
  • 03.4
  • 03.5
  • 03.6
3 OV
1 Runs
A. Omarzai to S. Raza R. Burl T. Munyonga
  • 02.1
  • 02.2
  • 1 WD 2.3
  • W 2.3
  • 02.4
  • W 2.5
  • 02.6
2 OV
9 Runs
Ur Rahman to T. Marumani B. Taylor S. Raza B. Bennett
  • 1 WD 1.1
  • 01.1
  • W 1.2
  • 1 WD 1.3
  • W 1.3
  • 11.4
  • 61.5
  • 01.6
1 OV
15 Runs
A. Omarzai to B. Bennett
  • 40.1
  • 00.2
  • 40.3
  • 00.4
  • 1 WD 0.5
  • 40.5
  • 20.6
Match Info
  • Venue Harare Sports Club, Harare
  • Weather Sunny
  • Toss Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat
  • Result Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by 53 runs
  • Player of the Match Azmatullah Omarzai
  • Umpire Iknow Chabi (ZIM), Langton Rusere (ZIM) and Percival Sizara (ZIM)
  • Referee Emmanuel Dube (ZIM)
Match Notes
  • Innings Break: Afghanistan 180/6 in 20.0 overs
  • Afghanistan 150/5 in 17.2 overs
  • I Zadran 11th T20I fifty: 51 runs in 31 balls (6x4) (1x6)
  • Afghanistan 102/1 in 10.5 overs
  • Mandatory Power play (1-6): Afghanistan 63/0
  • 1st wkt Partnership: 51 off 29 balls between R Gurbaz (26) and I Zadran (24)
  • Afghanistan 51/0 in 4.5 overs
  • 1st wkt Partnership: 51 off 28 balls between B Evans (19) and T Maposa (32)
  • Zimbabwe 100/7 in 13.2 overs
  • Zimbabwe 51/5 in 8.1 overs
  • Mandatory Power play (1-6): Zimbabwe 35/5
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