Afghanistan wins 1st T20 by 48 runs against Zimbabwe

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan on Wednesday beat Zimbabwe by 48 runs in their first T-20 match played in Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abdu Dhabi.

Zimbabwe won the toss and decided to field but they failed to restrict Afghan batsmen to a low total.

Afghan batsmen got full advantage of the opportunity and piled up a mammoth total of 195 runs for the loss of five wickets in the allotted overs.

Opening batsman Gurbaz made 87 runs off 45 balls and Captain Asghar Afghan on 38 balls scored 55 runs to help Afghanistan post a huge total.

Zimbabwe bowlers were not impressive and only Ngarava and Muzarabani were able to take two wickets each for their side. Afghan bowlers bowled tight line and length and did not allow Zimbabwe batsmen to free their arms.

Rashid Khan took three wickets, Fareed Ahmad and Jannat grabbed two each and helped Afghanistan restrict Zimbabwe to 150 for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs.

Zimbabwe Kamunhukamwe was the best scorer with 37 runs off 44 balls in response to Afghanistan’s score.

Nh/ma