AFG vs ZIM | 2nd T20I | Zadran, Nabi help Afghanistan to seal T20I series win

The visitors continued their strong display in both departments to secure a 21-run victory over the Zimbabwe team at Harare Sports Club and win the T20I series. 

Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first. The swashbuckling Hazratullah Zazai was terrific with a knock of 28 off 13, with three boundaries and two sixes. However, the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (1), Usman Ghani (2), Darwish Rasooli (12 retired out), and Karim Janat (12) could not provide enough contributions and allowed Zimbabwe spinners to gain momentum. 

The key players, Najibullah Zadran and captain Mohammad Nabi, again proved to be the saviours for Afghanistan. 

After setting their eyes on the surface, the duo managed to provide a strong flourish with 63 runs off the last five overs and stitched a 70-run partnership. The visitors ended up posting 170 runs, with Tendai Chatara taking two wickets for Zimbabwe. 

Najibullah scored 57 off 46, while Nabi remained unbeaten on 43 off 22. However, the dropped chances and 13 extras surely hurt the Craig Ervine-led team. 

In reply, Innocent Kaia (54) and Tadiwanashe Marumani (30) helped the Zimbabwe team to get a stable start in the first 10 overs. But players like Craig Ervine, Wesley Madhevere, and Ryan Burl could not provide powerful performances. 

Sikandar Raza continued his fine form to score 41 off 21, but Zimbabwe could only score 149, with a loss of seven wickets. Rashid Khan was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/32. 

The third and final T20I will be played on June 14, with Afghanistan looking to complete a series whitewash for the second time in a row. 

Brief Scores: 

Afghanistan - 170/5 (20)

Najibullah Zadran 57 (46), Mohammad Nabi 43* (22);

Tendai Chatara 2/33 (4)

Zimbabwe - 149/7 (20)

Innocent Kaia 54 (57), Sikandar Raza 41 (21);

Rashid Khan 2/32 (4)

Match Result: Afghanistan won by 21 runs.