Afghanistan wrap up T20 series, go up in ICC rankings

KABUL outplayed Zimbabwe by 17 runs to clinch the two-match T20I series at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium, a board official said on Wednesday.

By virtue of their second consecutive triumph over the opposition on Tuesday, Afghanistan have moved past Sri Lanka into eighth spot in the T20 rankings.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) spokesman Farid Hotak told Pajhwok Afghan News the national side was asked to bat first after the opposition won the toss.

Wickets tumbled in the final overs, but Mohammad Nabi top-scored with 45, elevating Afghanistan to 158 for nine. Opener Mohammad Shahzad chipped in with 17, Karim Sadiq 28 and Asghar Stanikzai 27.

Sadiq and Stanikzai forged a 56 runs partnership, as both smashed some towering sixes. Their stand significantly contributed to Afghanistan’s total, the ACB spokesman acknowledged.

For Zimbabwe, skipper Graeme Cremer took two vital wickets, dismissing Stanikzai and Sadiq. Then Nabi came to the crease, hitting 45 off 26 balls. He smashed two fours and four sixes.

Afghanistan lost six wickets for 18 runs in the final three overs, with Chatara bagging three for 20 and Kyle Jarvis two for 22.

Zadran claimed his first T20I wicket by bowling the opener before he sent Hamilton Masakadza back to the pavilion for 29. The 16-year-old spinner showed his aplomb in his four-over spell.

All-rounder Nabi had Brendan Taylor caught at short fine-leg for fell 15 when he bungled an attempted sweep. Sikandar Raza played a breezy knock of 40 from 26 balls, giving the bowlers some jitters.

But a foxy googly from Rashid Khan removed him, leaving Zimbabwe at 111 for four in the 17th over. The spin prodigy then accounted for Ryan Burl, who scored 30 runs.

Nabi, who had also struck 40 in the opening match Afghanistan won by five wickets on Monday, was declare Player of the Match.

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