betvisa cricketRahmanullah Gurbaz’s explosive innings powers Afghanistan to a stunning 3-0 T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe

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Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s blistering knock against Zimbabwe
Afghanistan completes a clean sweep in the T20I series over Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I clash at Harare, was the season’s exciting finale of the three-match T20I series. Both teams arrived at Harare Sports Club with Zimbabwe desperate for a consolatory win, while Afghanistan was determined to complete a clean sweep. After already winning the first two matches, Afghanistan’s confidence was sky-high. Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, sought to change their fortunes after struggling in the initial games. The match saw Afghanistan set a towering target of 210 runs, thanks largely to Rahmanullah Gurbaz‘s blistering innings, and eventually winning by 9 runs to seal a 3-0 series victory.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s blistering knock against Zimbabwe

Afghanistan’s innings was anchored by a commanding performance from Gurbaz, who played a sensational innings of 92 runs off just 48 balls. Displaying impeccable timing and power, Gurbaz struck eight boundaries and five sixes, taking full control of the Zimbabwe bowling attack. His opening partnership with Ibrahim Zadran flourished, the duo putting on a massive 159-run stand that set the tone for Afghanistan’s innings. Zadran himself contributed a solid 60 runs off 49 balls, supporting Gurbaz with steady stroke play.

Gurbaz’s aggressive start saw Afghanistan racing to 50 runs inside just over three overs, with his confident hitting putting Zimbabwe under immediate pressure. Despite a couple of dismissals late in the innings, Afghanistan posted an imposing total of 210/3 in their 20 overs, making it one of the highest scores of the series. The middle order, including Sediqullah Atal who remained unbeaten on 35 off 15 balls, kept the momentum going to ensure a challenging target for the hosts.

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Afghanistan completes a clean sweep in the T20I series over Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s response was spirited, led by Raza who played a fiery knock of 51 off 29 balls. Raza’s efforts were complemented by crucial contributions from Brian Bennett, scoring 47, and Ryan Burl, who smashed 37 off 15 deliveries. However, inconsistent partnerships and tight bowling from Afghanistan restricted Zimbabwe’s chase. Bowlers like Abdollah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Fareed Ahmad shared key wickets at crucial moments, disrupting Zimbabwe’s momentum.

Despite the fightback, Zimbabwe fell short by 9 runs as Afghanistan defended the total successfully, finishing at 201 all out in 20 overs. The victory marked Afghanistan’s emphatic clean sweep of the series 3-0, showcasing their supremacy in this encounter with Zimbabwe. Gurbaz’s match-winning knock earned him the Player of the Match award, as Afghanistan’s batting and bowling units combined brilliantly to dominate the hosts throughout the series.