ZIM vs AFG 3rd T20I Review: A Clean Sweep Ends This Series In Dominating Fashion As Afganisthan Wins 3-0
With the third match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan officially over, this was the closest out of the bunch as both teams had several opportunities to win. With Afghanistan ending up being the team that came out on top, this wasn’t the easiest match for them as they continuously had to come up big under pressure and call on the right bowlers. Seeing that this side had no Rashid Khan to lead the side, it gave other players a great opportunity to learn how to play when all odds are stacked against them. Knowing that the T20 World Cup is coming up for them, this was a very smart plan by this side, alongside the fact that they made Ibrahim Zadran captain to ensure he has couple matches under his belt in leading a side.
Meanwhile, this was a very rough series for the Chevrons as they were coming off a massive test victory against Afghanistan. A side that had a lot of hope built up to create any sort of upset, it seemed to be lost after they failed to chase in that first match itself. But, despite all these issues and the fact that they lost 3-0, this match also showed a ton of improvement for this side as they were super close to chasing down a 200+ total against one of the top T20I nations in the world. With the type of batting display they put, even though this side has many things to work on, captain Sikandar Raza now just has to focus on making a well-rounded squad going into the World Cup.
Afghanistan: Top-Order Has An Absolutely Smashing Performance Which Take Them Past 200
Looking at the way this Afghanistan side batted today, it’s pretty clear they are back in form and look more than efficient. With many batsmen not having this type of prowess prior to this specific series, opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz finally struck big and looked unstoppable once again. Scoring 92 from one end with 8 wonderful fours and 5 big-time sixes, it became pretty clear that he’s found his rhythm once again and is pretty hard to get out without doing any damage. With 13 combined boundaries, this was something that was clearly lacking from his game, but knowing that it’s comeback, Gurbaz is a great complement to Ibrahim Zadran in the opening pair.
With this duo going for 159 runs together, Zadran also had a huge impact by scoring a half-century in that duo. With him being the next wicket to fall within an over later, the right-handed opener finished his innings with 60 runs on 49 balls, while also adding 7 fours in this period. Playing in a more balanced style, it then let one-down batsmen Sediquallah Atal play a much more fiery attack in his 15 balls. Scoring 35 runs in that period, this is someone who smashed three big-time sixes and helped hit that 199 mark with Shahidullah, before their third wicket fell. As it was Shahidullah who went for 10 runs and one four, Mohammed Nabi came in to help Sediqullah Atal finish at 210/3.
Zimbabwe: Bowlers Had A Nightmare Trying To Provide A Wicket-Taking Threat For This Unit
On Zimbabwe’s side, it was quite clear that their bowlers struggled, and no one really stood out over their 20 overs. With the top performer ending up being Sikandar Raza, who only allowed 20 runs during 4 overs, it was also pretty noticeable that, less than attacking the stumps, he was more focused on just limiting boundaries. As their other spinner in Ryan Burl, had an enormous struggle as well, he went for almost 16 runs an over and couldn’t seem to create any vital turn. One of the players who has really lost form on this side in general, his spinning from the right end has become more of a liability than anything. Lastly, Wellington Masakadza was their piece from the left-end who seemed to leak a lot of runs as well.
Giving up 33 in his 3 full overs, today was a real day to forget for these pacers, with Tinotenda Maposa not even being able to get a third over in. Someone whose been struggling all series long, it continued here as he gave up 16.50 runs an over and was one of the biggest reason’s Afganisthan got so many boundaries. Struggling to pick up any wickets or find the center of the stumps, left-handed star Richard Ngarva was on a very similar boat. Despite him getting one wicket that turned out to be massive, he allowed 40 runs in his quota of overs, and was the first time all series he was not consistent with his approach. Closing it out, Brad Evans did have a solid outing with his ability to remove two batsmen and have lower than an 8.5 economy, but he couldn’t single-handedly make up for his side’s struggles.
Zimbabwe: First Fiery Batting Showcase Of This Series Gives Them A Massive Boost
Looking at this Chevrons’ batting performance, it was the first time all-series we could say they put their best foot forward and absolutely dominated. As Dion Myers opened with Brian Bennett once again, this partnership seemed to get off to a great start before Myers was run out on a complete mix-up. Seeing that one of their two pieces was gone for 5 early on, things started getting a little more stressful when Brendan Taylor was also removed for 4 runs after being caught. Someone who was once known for his versatility in all three formats, it hadn’t shown at all in this match or series, and caused Zimbabwe to fall into a 19/2 before captain Sikandar Raza came in.
As this captain has shown to be a game-changer many times in his career, he proved yet again today as he was able to smash a half-century and create a massive 85-run partnership with Bennett. In one where he was the aggressor, Raza scored 51 runs on 29 balls and was able to hit 7 great-looking fours, along with two massive sixes. Seeing that Bennett was following in his footsteps, he scored 47 runs in 31 balls before falling right after their captain. Despite this, Ryan Burl came in and smashed 5 sixes, while keeping a strike rate well over 200. When he went out and Clive Mandade was also taken out, Brad Evans tried to reel them back in, but it was too late as he also managed to get caught out.
Afghanistan: Bowling Department Came Up In The Clutch Once Again
This Afghanistan bowling attack proved a lot about their courage and fight today, while showing that they will never give up despite their best piece being out. As left-handed pacer Fazal Haq-Farooqi made his return to this squad, and was completely on point. Giving up just 29 runs in his full four overs, this was someone who also got two massive wickets and was a game-changer when it mattered most. Having someone experienced like him gave Abdullah Ahamdzai way more confidence. Seeing that Ahamdzai was a bit expensive in his over, he still picked up three wickets and was another key factor. As Fareed Ahmad also picked up two wickets, Mujeeb Ur-Rahman was economical during his four overs.
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