AFG vs ZIM 2nd T20I Match Review: Afghanistan Win This Series With Relative Ease Despite One Match Left
Heading into the 2nd T20I between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, it was quite clear that this match was completely controlled by one side from start to finish. With Afghanistan winning their 2nd straight match on the road, these last few have been great for them to get their confidence back after a very early exit from the Asia Cup. A group that many people were worried about prior to this series, because of the recent struggles in this format, everything seems back to normal now, and they look to be dominating all three phases. With Rashid Khan leading the side, it has become very clear that his ability to motivate a team is a key aspect in their ability to build back up.
For Zimbabwe, this one of those periods to forget as they are starting to have another minor downfall in this format of cricket. A team whose performance keeps fluctuating and never seems to be consistent, it has become quite clear that they haven’t hit a stride yet, which will help them get back into their old form. When things were once looking amazing pre-2020 for this side, they have started losing out on tons of hope, and now will have to go back to the drawing board in order to perform in this upcoming T20I World Cup. As Sikandar Raza is a great captain and has had some top-notch performances, he still has one match to help this side gain a lot of confidence once again.
Zimbabwe: Batting Lineup Really Struggled To Create Any Threat And Meaningful Innings
Looking at this Chevrons’ performance with the bat, it was quite clear that they had trouble with finding any consistency throughout their overs. Opener Brian Bennett did look like he was of to a very solid start during his 16-run knock, where he had smashed a six and looked to increase that strike rate. But after his partner in Dion Myers, ended up getting removed for 6 runs on 9 deliveries, Bennett also fell right after and put this side in a 24/2 hole. With Sikandar Raza starting his innings after hitting two quick boundaries, it seemed like him and Brendan Taylor were going to build a massive partnership. In what started looking very strong, Taylor ended up getting removed for 3 runs after barely being able to create a big shot.
While Raza continued dominating the innings, his innings continued despite Ryan Burl, 10 runs, and Tony Munyonga’s 19-run knock ending when he was still on strike. Looking at Raza, he ended up being the 6th wicket removed after scoring 37 runs and finding four open gaps for boundaries, while showing quickness between the stumps. Seeing that Tashinga Musekiwa was able to come in and hit 13 runs with another wonderful four, him and Brad Evans were the only hopes down the order. Knowing that Evans also hit two fours and scored 12 combined, he was able to help this side cross 120 and keep the score better than the tragedy it could have been.
Afghanistan: Bowlers Have Shown A Great Ability To Create Meaningful Wickets and Continue Being Dominant
When seeing that Afghanistan bowling attack perform once again, it was very clear that their unit just keeps growing with every match. Pacer Abdullah Ahmadzai has shown tremendous prowess early on with two great wickets he picked up and kept that economy at a solid 8.00 throughout this match. Given the fact that leaking runs was his biggest issue heading into this one, it seems to be fixed, while their other fast bowling option in Fareed Ahmad also took one wicket. Bowling his full quota of overs, the pure speed that this young piece bowls with is something to watch because those types of deliveries make it really hard for batsmen to pick up.
Looking at Azmutullah Omarzai, he was their third biggest fast bowler as he came up with an impactful two overs. Giving just 9 in them combined, he was able to deliver the ball at the right length and seemed to have a great change-of-pace, which fooled a lot of batsmen. For spinning, Rashid Khan was once again a top-tier threat who really swung the ball in well and took 3 big-time wickets. Known for his ability to create a lot of trickery against power hitters, it was clearly on full display here, while he also made a difference with the old ball here. With his partner, Mujeeb Ur-Rahman, getting two batsmen out as well, it seemed like this combo has found similar success to their past times together.
Afghanistan: Another Strong Run Chase By This Unit Which Puts Them Well Over The Line
This batting performance by Afganistan felt like a really strong one since they were able to pretty easily chase down their required total. With opener Rahmunullah Gurbaz having scored 16 runs in just 12 deliveries, he looked very strong to start out this innings. Someone whose had his struggles prior to this series, it was another match which gave this side confidence moving forward, while he created a nice 24-run opening stand with Ibrahim Zadran. Seeing that Zadran also carried a huge load during that second-wicket partnership with Sediquallah Atal, it started becoming much more clear that they were closer than ever in reaching that target.
Although Atal managed to get removed for 8 runs, he did hit one delightful boundary and led Darwish Rasooli come in with less pressure. After scoring 17 runs and being their third wicket lost, it was up to Zadran and Azmutuallah Omarzai to finish of this match. Starting at 94/3 stage, they really took advantage of a low required run rate and were able to smash together a 35-run partnership. With Ibrahim Zadran being able to cross 50 and hit 7 boundaries to end another wonderful innings, Omarzai was even more dominant on the other end. Going at a near 200 strike rate, this was someone who hit 5 wonderful boundaries and was able to attack any bowler coming up.
Zimbabawe: Bowlers Did Create Tension Towards The End But It Became Too Late In This Match
On Zimbabwe’s bowling side, they did have a chance of making a massive comeback towards this match’s ending, but the total was to low for them to complete. Having no Blessing Muzarabani as an opening bowler for this side, they had to rely on Brad Evans to be their main pacer from the right end. Someone who was able to take two wickets, he also kept the economy at a near 7.00, while Richard Ngarva was solid in his first three overs from the left end. Despite Tinotenda Maposa allowing 25 runs in his two overs during the match, their spinning options in Wellington Masakadza, 1 wicket and 5.00 economy, plus Sikandar Raza remained key.
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