Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe AFG and ZIM in UAE, 3 T20Is, 2026, Full Score Card

OUT! ALL OVER FOR ZIMBABWE! Pace off delivery on the full, on off. Newman Nyamhuri tries to launch it over long off but ends up miscuing off the toe end toward deep mid off. Rashid Khan comes in from the ropes and completes the catch. Afghanistan win by 37 runs and go 1-0 up in the series. Zimbabwe are dismissed for 140.

38 needed off 6 balls. Fazalhaq Farooqi will bowl the final over.

SIX! He made it look easy! On a length, on the leg. Wellington Masakadza helps it over the long leg fence for a biggie.

Full and at the stumps. Newman Nyamhuri stays deep in the crease and whips it away toward deep backward square leg for a single.

Back of a length on the hip. Wellington Masakadza tucks it through backward square leg for a single.

Wellington Masakadza is the last batter for Zimbabwe. He will face the hat-trick ball from Omarzai.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Azmatullah Omarzai gets two in two! Good length delivery, nips back into the middle stump line. Ernest Masuku is beaten for pace and the swing as the ball zips through the gate and crashes into the stumps. Zimbabwe are nine down.

Ernest Masuku is in at number 10.

OUT! LBW! Omarzai gets into the wickets. Full-pitched delivery, almost a yorker, on the middle and leg. Evans tries to heave it across the line but misses and gets pinned in front. Appeal from the bowler and up goes the finger. Eight down now.

Full and at the stumps. Evans tries to hack it across the line but gets an inside edge that rolls through square leg for a couple.

WIDE! Slower ball on a length, down the leg. Evans lets it go for a wide.

Flatter arm ball, on the middle. Evans punches it toward deep cover for a single. Zimbabwe are 129/7 after 18 overs. 49 needed off 12 balls.

Tossed up full, around off. Newman Nyamhuri lifts it over extra cover for a single.

Who walks in at number 9? It will be Newman Nyamhuri.

OUT! ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST! Flatter and quicker, sliding into the off stump line. Wessly Madhevere stays back and tries to pull it out of the park. He gets the height but not enough distance and is taken by Atal at the long on boundary. Zimbabwe lose their seventh wicket.

Flatter and quicker, around off. Wessly Madhevere slaps it toward the deep extra cover region and they settle for two more.

SIX! BOOM! Floated full, at the stumps. Wessly Madhevere clears the front leg and launches it over long on for half a dozen.

Flat and wide outside off. Wessly Madhevere slaps it hard toward deep extra cover, and they scamper for the double. A run out check at the bowler's end but Evans just makes his ground.

Another pace off delivery, short of a good length, angled across. Wessly Madhevere steers it toward backward point for a single.

FOUR! Innovative! Pace off, short of a good length on middle. Wessly Madhevere reverse ramps it over the man at short third for a cheeky boundary.

Back of a length, angled into the middle. Evans miscues the pull toward the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

Pace off, back of a length on middle. Evans gets on top of the bounce and defends onto the pitch.

Slower ball on a length, around off. Evans plays and misses.

Brad Evans comes in at number 8.

OUT! SHARP CATCH SENDS BURL PACKING! Pace off delivery, on a shortish length, around off. Burl slaps it hard toward extra cover, where Shahidullah Kamal plucks out his left hand and grabs a brilliant chance to remove Burl for 32. Zimbabwe are six down and in a spot of bother.

Googly, just outside off. Burl taps it toward point for a single. Zimbabwe need 67 off the last 4 overs.

Flatter and wider outside off. Wessly Madhevere cuts it away toward deep point for a single.

Fraction short, around off. Burl pulls it toward deep mid-wicket for one.

Googly, turning into the middle stump line. Wessly Madhevere punches it down to long on for one.

Wessly Madhevere walks in at number 7.

OUT! LBW! Rashid Khan gets his second. Flatter leg break, turning into the middle-and-leg-stump line. Tadiwanashe Marumani tries to hack it across the line but misses and gets pinned on the pad. Big appeal from the bowler, and up goes the finger. Marumani goes now, and Zimbabwe are five down.

FOUR! Belted! Tad short, just outside off. Tadiwanashe Marumani goes back and hammers it hard through the mid-wicket region for a powerful boundary.

Yorker, just outside off. Marumani squeezes it toward the man at backward point and takes one. After 15 overs, Zimbabwe are 103/4.

Short of a good length on off. Burl pulls it toward deep mid-wicket and they settle for a single.

WIDE! Pitched full, just outside the tramline. Burl lets it go for a wide.

Short of a good length, around off. Burl pulls it hard into the gap at cow corner region for a brace. 100 comes up for Zimbabwe.

Slower full ball on off. Marumani is deceived by the change of pace and chips it over mid off for a single.

Pace off on a length, just outside off. Marumani plays and misses.

Full pitcher, around off. Burl strokes it toward deep cover for a single.

Flatter on the middle and leg. Burl flicks it through square leg for a single.

Flatter, turning into the middle and leg. Marumani chips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Tadiwanashe Marumani walks in at number 6.

OUT! CAUGHT! Mujeeb Ur Rahman gets the Zimbabwe skipper. A juicy full toss on the middle stump line. Raza tries to heave it out of the park but ends up miscuing toward the deep mid-wicket region. Azmatullah Omarzai runs around the boundary and takes a sharp grab. Zimbabwe are four down.

Fired in full, just outside off. Raza makes room to drill it through covers but fails to connect.

FOUR! Over the top! Tossed up full, around off. Raza swings hard and lifts it inside out toward the deep extra cover region for a cracking boundary.

SIX! Up and away! Looped up full, carrom ball, just outside off. Raza picks it early and launches it over long off for half a dozen.

Lands it on a length, turns back into the middle and leg. Raza clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Flatter on the middle and leg. Burl works it through square leg for a single.

SIX! BANG! Tossed up full, in the slot, on middle. Burl heaves it over the deep square leg fence for a massive hit.

Floated full, outside off. Burl has lofted this toward the widish long off region for a couple of runs.

Flatter googly, turning into the middle and leg. Burl looks to tuck it across but gets an inside edge onto the pad.

SIX! In the arc and out of the park. Flighted full, at the stumps. Burl clears the front leg and smokes it over the long on fence for half a dozen.

DROPPED! Floated full, a hint of spin away around off. Burl tries to slog it across the line but gets a leading edge that lobs toward the short third region. A valiant effort from Fazalhaq Farooqi but he cannot hold onto the chance.

Fuller and quicker at the stumps. Raza prods to defend, gets a thick outside edge that rolls to backward point for a single. 25 balls since the last boundary now.

Tossed up on the middle and leg. Raza slogs it on the bounce toward deep square leg and the batters scamper for the double.

Looped up full, on off. Raza gets forward and keeps it out.

Fuller googly, turning into the leg stump line. Raza gets too far across for the sweep but misses onto the pad. Big appeal from the bowler is turned down.

Good length googly just outside off. Gets down on a knee and sweeps to deep midwicket for a single.

Looped up full, on the middle stump line. Burl heaves it away along the carpet toward deep square leg for a single.

Leg break, turning into the middle and leg. Raza nudges it toward square leg and they settle for a single.

Looped up full, on the middle and leg. Burl slogs it off the inner half toward deep mid-wicket for a single.

Flatter on the leg. Raza nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up full, just outside off. Raza drives it toward short cover.

Tad short, on the middle and leg. Burl pulls it toward deep mid-wicket and they settle for a single.

Fuller than a good length on off. Burl reverses it toward backward point for a single. At the halfway mark, Zimbabwe are 58/3.

Full googly on middle and leg, Burl turns it to short mid-wicket

Tossed up on the middle and leg. Raza nudges into the leg side and scampers for a quick single.

DRINKS! Zimbabwe are in a spot of bother at 56/3 around the halfway mark. With the required run rate climbing past 11 an over, the Chevrons need a couple of big overs to shift the momentum. Afghanistan have been disciplined with the ball so far and will look to maintain the pressure by picking up wickets at regular intervals. Sikandar Raza comes in at number 5.

OUT! CAUGHT! Bennett perishes now! Tosses it full, turning into the middle-stump line. Brian Bennett crouches low and looks to launch it over long on but fails to get the desired elevation or distance. Shahidullah Kamal, near the boundary, takes a simple catch. Bennett goes for 13. Zimbabwe are three down.

Flighted full, just outside off. Burl eases it down to long off for one.

Tossed up full, on off. Burl pushes it back to the bowler.

Leg break, on a length and spinning away around off. Burl punches it through covers for a single.

The googly, sliding across and turning away from the batter, around off. Brian Bennett punches it toward deep cover for one.

Flatter wrong'un, turning into the middle stump line. Burl works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up full, on off. Bennett drills it down to long off for a single.

Googly on a length, Burl tucks it to square-leg for a quick single.

WIDE! Flatter, sliding down the leg. Burl plays and misses. Wide signaled.

Tossed up full, on off. Bennett looks to work it leg side, gets a soft leading edge through point for a single.

Ryan Burl walks in at number 4. Noor Ahmad comes into the attack for Afghanistan.

OUT! TIMBER! Rashid Khan has the last laugh against Innocent Kaia. Flatter googly spins back sharply into the middle and leg stump line. Kaia had no clue on how to play the ball, ends up playing all around it. The ball sneaks through the gap and hits the top of the stumps. Kaia goes for 24, and Zimbabwe are 48/2 after 8 overs.

Tossed up full, on off. Innocent Kaia strokes it to the left of the bowler, where Rashid Khan makes a fine stop.

FOUR! Punished! Short and down the leg. Kaia stays back and helps away the pull shot toward fine leg for a welcome boundary.

Flighted full, on off. Kaia presses forward in defence.

Flatter leg break, just outside off. Kaia looks to cut but misses and gets beaten on the under edge.

Flatter googly, turning into the middle and leg. Kaia looks to pull but misses and wears on the pad.

Full and quick at the stumps. Kaia strokes it down to long off for a single.

WIDE! Flatter, sliding down the leg. Kaia looks to paddle it but misses. Another wide.

Flighted full, turning into the middle and leg. Kaia tries to work it across the line but gets an inside edge onto the pad.

Tossed up full, on off. Kaia defends it forward.

WIDE! Fuller and quicker, down the leg. Kaia plays and misses. Wide signaled.

Tossed up full, on the middle and leg. Kaia heaves it off the inner half, goes along the ground toward fine leg for a couple.

Fuller and quicker on off. Kaia bunts it back to the bowler.

Tossed up on off. Bennett eases it down to long on for one.

A sharp googly, spins back into the middle and leg stump line. Kaia sets up to cut it away but the ball spins in and hits him on the back pad. Zimbabwe are 38/1 after the Powerplay.

Wrong'un, turning into the middle and leg. Brian Bennett works it through mid-wicket for one.

Fuller googly, sliding past the leg stump. Bennett makes room to go inside out but fails to connect.

Quicker leg break, around off. Bennett cuts it to the man at short cover.

Flatter googly, at the stumps. Kaia punches it down to long on for one.

Tossed up on the middle and leg. Bennett works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Rashid Khan will bowl the final over of the Powerplay.

Quicker again, attacking the stumps. Kaia gets a good stride forward and keeps it out. After 5 overs, Zimbabwe are 35/1.

Fuller and quicker on off. Kaia keeps it out.

Flighted full, on off. Kaia presses forward and defends into the off side.

WIDE! Fuller and quicker, sliding down the leg. Kaia plays and misses. A third wide in the over.

WIDE! Fraction short, down the leg. Kaia looks to pull but misses. Wide signaled.

Tossed up on the middle and leg. Kaia nudges it through the gap at mid-wicket and they take two.

Flatter off-break, turning into the middle and leg. Bennett punches it down to long on for one.

WIDE! Fuller, sliding down the leg. Bennett plays and misses. Wided.

Flatter delivery, just outside off. Bennett pushes it toward the man at short extra cover.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman comes into the attack.

SIX! All the way! A bumper around the left shoulder. Kaia gets into a good position, picks it early, and hooks it over the fine leg fence for half a dozen.

On a length, just outside off. Kaia shimmies down the track to heave it across the line but misses.

FOUR! Put away! A low full toss on the pad. Kaia flicks it away toward deep square leg for a much needed boundary.

Full pitcher, on off. Kaia strokes it toward the man at mid off.

Back of a length on the middle stump line. Bennett charges down the track and hacks it toward the deep mid-wicket region for three runs.

On a hard length, on off. Kaia taps into the off side and crosses for a single.

A sharp bouncer, thudding flush into his shoulders! Rocketed straight at Kaia, with perhaps a touch of glove, as the ball trickled away behind him. He’s off in a flash, sprinting through to the other end, and the umpire signals runs for the batter.

Slower ball on the full, just outside off. Kaia squeezes it toward the man at short third.

Good length delivery, swings back into the middle and leg stump line. Kaia shimmies down and whips it off the inner half toward the fine leg region. A fine diving effort from Ijaz Ahmadzai keeps it to a couple.

Fuller than a good length, nips back into the middle stump line. Kaia prods to defend, but plays the wrong line and is pinned in front. Appeal from the bowler for LBW, but the umpire turns it down. Probably going over the stumps as Afghanistan do not take the review.

Innocent Kaia walks in at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! Fazalhaq Farooqi draws first blood. Back of a length, angled into the middle stump line. Curran tries to hack it across the line but gets rushed for pace and miscues the pull toward Azmatullah Omarzai at mid-wicket region, who completes the catch. Curran goes for just 7. Zimbabwe are rocked early in the chase.

Curran misses out on a freebie! A slower ball, full toss on the middle stump line. Curran gets inside the line and helps it toward short fine leg.

Slower ball on the full, on the leg. Curran clips it through backward square leg for one.

Back of a length, just outside off. Curran mistimes the pull, comes off the toe end and rolls toward mid-wicket fielder.

Short of a good length, moving away around off. Bennett dabs it to the left of the backward point fielder for a single.

Fuller than a length on off. Curran drives it on the up toward mid off for a single.

FOUR! Whacked! Back of a length, just outside off. Sits up nicely for Curran, who hammers the pull shot through mid-wicket for a cracking boundary.

LEG BYE! Short of a good length, it jags back into the leg stump line. Bennett tries to tuck it across the line but misses, and it hits the thigh pad. The ball rolls through the gap at gully for a leg bye.

Who shares the attack? It will be Azmatullah Omarzai.

Back of a length, angled into the middle. Curran hops and tucks into the mid-wicket region. Tidy over from Fazalhaq Farooqi.

On a hard length, on off. Brian Bennett dabs it toward the man at backward point for a single.

Slower ball on the full, just outside off. Brian Bennett tries to hack it across the line but gets an inside edge onto the pad.

Full pitcher, almost a yorker on off. Brian Bennett bunts it down the track.

Short of a good length, a hint of swing, around off. Curran taps into the off side and takes a single.

WIDE! Pitched full, angling down the leg. Ben Curran plays and misses. Wide signaled.

Farooqi starts with a good length delivery, swings back into the middle and leg stump line. Brian Bennett tries to work it across the line but gets an inside edge onto the pad, rolling toward point for a single.

OUT! CAUGHT! Newman Nyamhuri closes out the innings with a four-fer, and Afghanistan are bowled out for 177 runs. This is pitched up on a good length and pushed wide of the off stump. Mujeeb Ur Rahman hangs deep in the crease and swats it away flat to the right of cover. Sikandar Raza moves sharply to his right and snaffles it with both hands around his chest.

Wide! A wayward ball from Nyamhuri, as he bowls this one full and a mile down the leg side. The keeper dives to his left but can't get to it. The ball rolls down to fine leg for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi is the last batter in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Straight up in the air, and taken. Hard length from Newman Nyamhuri, around off stump. Noor Ahmad just swings hard at it and ends up miscuing it high towards wide mid on. Brad Evans settles under it and takes a simple catch. Afghanistan are 175/9 now as Nyamhuri gets his third wicket.

A skiddy short ball over middle, Mujeeb Ur Rahman stands tall and hits it down to the right of mid on for a single.

The next batter is Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

OUT! TAKEN! That's a sensational catch taken by Wessly Madhevere. Newman Nyamhuri digs it in short and right at the batter. Rashid Khan looks to climb on top of the bounce and pull but the ball gets big on him, and this is mistimed over mid-wicket. Wessly Madhevere charges in from the deep and puts in a big dive ahead to take the catch. End of a quickfire cameo from Rashid.

Hard length, slanted into the batter. Noor Ahmad smacks it down past the non-strike and down to the left of long on for one.

Newman Nyamhuri will close out the innings for Zimbabwe.

A swing and a miss. Full and wide outside off, with pace on. Rashid Khan goes after it but fails to connect.

SIX! Rashid goes back-to-back, and Afghanistan are piling on a big total here. Slower one, pitched fuller around off. Khan hangs deep and lays into the ball, lifting it high and over long off for a biggie.

SIX! What a shot, and even the bowler gives Rashid Khan a thumbs-up. Hard length, wide of the off stump. Khan goes on his knees as he goes reaching for the ball, and uses his hands to whip it up and over deep point for a biggie.

Slower one, back of a length and outside off. This is sliced down to deep third for a single.

FOUR! A fine shot first up by Noor Ahmad. Full and fast, attacking the toes. Noor takes the front leg out and whips it down to cow corner for a boundary.

Noor Ahmad is the next batter.

OUT! CAUGHT! Great composure in the deep from Ryan Burl, and Ijaz Ahmadzai has to walk back after a rollicking knock. Good change-up from Brad Evans as well, as he bowls a back-of-the-hand slower ball, into the pitch and at the batter. Ahmadzai is a bit cramped for room but heaves across the line and sends the ball sailing down to wide long on. Burl settles himself just inside the ropes and clings on to the ball with both hands.

Brad Evans is back on to bowl the penultimate over of the innings.

FOUR! That's a bit unfortunate for the bowler. Pitched up on a length and wide outside off. Khan swings wildly across the line and gets a thick outside edge that flies down to deep third for a boundary. 19 off the over.

SIX! High, high, and over the ropes. Back of a length, wide outside off. Rashid Khan goes after it with that trademark whippy style, and slices it over the point fence for a six. 150 up for Afghanistan.

Full and straight, jammed down to long off for a single.

SIX! Pace off, but it doesn't matter, and Ijaz Ahmadzai gets to his maiden T20I FIFTY. Slower one, full and wide outside off. Ahmadzai is ready for it and hangs back before lacing it flat over deep cover-point for a six. Ahmadzai gets to the mark in just 20 balls.

Pace off now, pitched up around off. Rashid Khan leans on to drive but chips it off the face of the blade, and through the vacant mid off region for one more.

Full and on off, in the blockhole. Ahmadzai jams it down to long on for a single.

Ernest Masuku is back on, replacing Brad Evans.

SIX! Straight back over the keeper's head and onto the sight screen. A sharp bumper, over middle and leg. Rashi takes it on and is hurried, getting a top edge that flies away for six runs. 14 runs off the over, despite the wicket.

A low full toss on the pads, slower and dipping on the batter. Ahmadzai looks to flick but gets an inside edge off the pads and the ball rolls to mid-wicket. Single taken.

SIX! SHOT! Just marginally short, on middle. Ijaz Ahmadzai moves across a bit and clobbers it high and handsome, in front of mid-wicket for a biggie.

Back of a length, over middle and angling away. Khan stays back, scything it to deep backward point for a single.

That's a good ball to bowl to the new batter. Skiddy bumper around leg, attacking the batter, and Rashid Khan ducks under it. No wide given.

Rashid Khan walks in to bat at number 8.

OUT! CAUGHT! Newman Nyamhuri strikes instantly on his return and picks up a big wicket against the run of play. Nyamhuri immediately goes into the pitch, bowling it short and over off, getting the ball to hold a bit. Shahidullah Kamal looks to pull off the front foot but is early into his shot and ends up lofting it over mid on. Ryan Burl comes in from the long on fence and pouches it safely. End of a fighting knock by Kamal.

Newman Nyamhuri is now brought back into the attack. He'll probably bowl the 17th and the 19th over.

Good length on middle and leg, this is wristed away to the right of backward square leg for a single.

Hard length on off, Kamal stays leg side of the ball and pats it down to cover.

SIX! Not in control, but the ball still flies over the fence. An aggressive bumper by Evans, over leg stump, and there's no deep fine leg in place. Kamal swings at it and top-edgs it over the fine leg fence for a six.

Back of a length and outside off, Kamal lets the ball come on before angling it down to backward point.

A heavy short ball, around off, and Ahmadzai leans on, pulling it towards deep mid-wicket for one more. The 50-run stand is also up between these two.

A length ball on off, punched away on the up and through the cover region for a single.

Brad Evans is back on, replacing Sikandar Raza.

Full on middle and leg, clipped away gently through mid-wicket for a single. 16 off the over.

Good length on middle, sliding back in. Ahmadzai stays back and nudges it in front of mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Ijaz Ahmadzai is single-handedly shifting the momentum of this game. Tossed up around off, Ahmadzai goes inside-out over cover, banging it towards the vacant fence yet again.

FOUR! That's cleverly done. Full and flat, angling onto the pads. Ahmadzai sits down and plays a deft sweep, getting it behind square leg and the ball rolls away into the fence.

Nagging length, bowling it straighter at the stumps. Ahmadzai blocks it off.

SIX! Ahmadzai is on a rampage now, and the 100 is up for Afghanistan. Floated up wide of the off stump, just an extension of the arms by Ahmadzai as he launches it over the cover fence for a biggie.

Wellington Masakadza is back on to finish his spell.

Quick and short around off, Ahmadzai hops back and dabs it behind point for a single. 30 runs off the last 2 overs, and Afghanistan are now 98/5.

FOUR! Three loose balls in a row, and all three were dealt with by Ahmadzai. Short and over middle, Ahmadzai picks the length in a trice, stays back and swats it towards cow corner for a boundary.

FOUR! Cheeky from Ahmadzai now. Good length, but angling down leg. Ahmadzai shuffles inside the line and laps it over short fine lg for a boundary now.

SIX! A rare loosener from Raza, and it gets the deserved treatment. Way too short and over middle, Ijaz Ahmadzai rocks back and whacks it handsomely over deep mid-wicket for a huge six.

Uppish, but into the gap. Tossed up outside off, Ahmadzai goes for the drive and hits it in the air through the vacant extra cover region for a couple of runs.

Flatter one outside off, cut away off the back foot to deep point for a single.

Sikandar Raza to bowl out here...

Tap and run, clever batting right after the boundary. Good length on off, Kamal gets forward and nudges it down to cover-point for a quick single.

SIX! What a shot! Hard length, pushing it across off. Shahidullah Kamal charges at the bowler and frees his arms, whacking it over deep extra cover for a biggie.

Wide! Dug in well short and well down the leg side. Kamal leaves it alone.

Pace off now, pitching it up on middle. Ahmadzai dabs it away to th right of deep square lg and picks up a single.

Back of a length and in the channel, Ahmadzai gets back on his toes to punch it away, but gets an inside edge through backward square leg and picks up two runs.

Not in control. Shorter in length, over middle and off. Kamal looks ton get forward but the ball gets big on him and Kamal ends up nurdling it down in front of wide mid off for a single.

Good-length delivery, around off. Kamal looks to bunt it to cover and pinch a quick single, but Ahmadzai sends him back.

Ernest Masuku (2-0-10-2) is back on.

Tossed up wide of the off stump, Kamal drives it nicely and square on the off side, towards deep point for one more.

Shorter and outside off, played off the back foot and through cover-point for a single..

On a dragged length and around off, Ahmadzai stays back to defend.

Flighted up, full and on off, Ijaz Ahmadzai pushes it down to mid on.

Ijaz Ahmadzai is the next batter in.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! A soft, soft dismissal, but that's cleverly bowled by Sikandar Raza. Raza bowls a leg-spinner now, tossing it up on off stump, and gets the ball to hold a bit in the deck. Azmatullah Omarzai leans on to just drive it down the pitch, but ends up chipping it straight back to the bowler. Raza makes no mistake and Afghanistan are now 66/5.

On a dragged length and outside off. Kamal hops back and cuts it behind point for a single.

No run, just a mere push. But no space for a run.

Fuller one at the stumps, worked away through the leg side for a single.

SIX! A valiant effort from Ryan Burl in the deep, but it will be a six. Tossed up at the stumps, Shahidullah Kamal sits down and plays a slog sweep, hitting it flat and to the left of deep mid-wicket. Burl moves across and grabs it with both hands but ends up running over the ropes. He does flick the ball up before doing so, but makes second contact while being over the ropes. Even though bthe ball never touched the turf over the ropes, according to the new rules, if the contact is beyond the ropes, it will be six.

A lot more air on this one, floated up down leg. Omarzai gets his hands out in front and works it down to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Two more, and that's good running from these two. Full and drifted in at the toes, Omarzai flicks it away between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket before racing back for the second run.

Tossed up, on a length and outside off. The ball holds a bit and Omarzai miscues the lofted shot to wide long off and picks up a couple of runs.

DRINKS! Time for a breather, and so far, Zimbabwe have bossed the first innings. They picked up early wickets in the Powerplay, and now, with Wellington Masakadza getting rid of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the visitors have a chance to really apply the squeeze. As for Afghanistan, the best plan for them could be to counter-attack, but there's not much batting left to come, so it can be a double-edged sword. Let's see how the first innings eventually pans out.

Quicker one, on a length and darted back in towards the stumps. Omarzai backs away and jams it out firmly through the cover region for a single. Afghanistan are 53/4 after 10 overs.

Raza slows it up now, floating it just outside off stump. Kamal waits back and pushes it down to mid off for a run.

Flighted delivery on off, Omarzai leans on and gets it on the full, stroking it to the right of the bowler and down to long on for one more.

Tossed up a bit, outside off, and this is driven to sweeper cover for a single.

FOUR! Full and flat, angling it down leg. Shahidullah Kamal sits down and sweeps it over the head of the short fine leg fielder and picks up a boundary.

Oh, that's nearly crashed into the off pole. The arm-ball from Raza, on a nagging length and outside off, darting back in. Kamal looks to rock back and cut but misses.

Flighted ball on off, blocked off by Azmatullah Omarzai.

Azmatullah Omarzai is the next batter in.

OUT! TAKEN! Sikandar Raza shows great reactions to take it on the second attempt, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz is just standing there, wondering how dare Raza take a catch like that. This is floated up quite full and around off, Gurbaz leans on a bit and looks to power the drive over extra cover, but doesn't quite get the elevation. Raza is standing close in at extra cover and reacts sharply, leaping up to get both hands on it. But the ball pops out with Raza falling on the deck, and yet he manages to havethe presence of mind to gobble it up on the second attempt.

Full and flat now, around off. Kamal swings it away to deep mid-wicket for just one more.

Tossed up around off, heaved away off the inside half of the bat and in front of mid-wicket for just a single.

FOUR! That's more like it from Gurbaz. Tossed up outside off, Gurbaz moves way past the off stump, sits down and sweeps it hard towards deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Flighted up on off, a bit fuller as well. Shahidullah Kamal sits down and drags the slog sweep down on the bounce to long on for a run.

Tossed up outside off, Kamal eases it off the back foot to deep point and picks up a single. Afghanistan trudging along at 38/3 after 8 overs.

A lot more round-arm this time, angled into the pads. Kamal stays back to flick it away but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

On a good length, fired in towards middle and leg. Gurbaz goes back and acros, punching it out to wide long off for one more.

Floated up on middle and leg, this is worked away in front of mid-wicket for a run.

Nagging length from around the stumps, drifting it in towards the stumps. Kamal backs away and dabs it down to point.

Good length around off, pushed through flatter. Gurbaz rocks back and punches it down to long off for a single.

Spin in tandem as Sikandar Raza brings himself into the attack now.

Short and wide again, cut away off the back foot, but the fielder at backward point makes a diving stop to his left. Just a single.

Fractionally short and outside off, Gurbaz hops back and scythes it away to the cover fielder. The dots continue to pile up.

Floated up a bit fuller and around off, Gurbaz plays it back to the bowler.

Short and outside off, Gurbaz tries to do too many things at once, before eventually going hard at the cut, but ends up chopping it back onto the deck.

Around the wicket to the left-hander, bowled on a dragged length and drifted into the pads. Kamal works it away towards mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Flighted up, full and on off, Gurbaz strokes it away through extra cover for a single.

Time for some spin. Wellington Masakadza comes on to bowl now.

A skiddy short ball, right at the batter. Kamal pulls it down but finds the fielder at short fine leg. A dot to end, and Afghanistan are 31/3 at the end of the Powerplay.

FOUR! That's banged away through the off side. Too full and too wide outside off, Shahidullah Kamal gets low and extends his arms, hammering it through covers for another boundary.

Time for a concussion check. Not a hefty blow, thankfully, but the protocols will be followed. Shahidullah Kamal does have a smile on his face as he answers the physio's question, and we are good to go again.

Fractionally short now, angled into the batter. Kamal gets all tucked up and fails to flick it away. Actually, the ball's gone off the thigh pad and into the helmet.

That's a good-looking shot. On the fuller side and outside off, Kamal leans on, shows the full face of the bat and strokes it through extra cover for a couple of runs.

Just back of a length, around the sixth stump. Kamal presses back, opens the bat face and dabs it down to point.

Length ball outside off, sliding it back in. Shahidullah Kamal lunges across and drives it straight to cover.

Newman Nyamhuri is back on to bowl the last over of the Powerplay.

FOUR! A freebie to end the over from Masuku. Too full and slanted down leg, Gurbaz walks inside the line and gets enough bat on it to take the ball fine of the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

Shorter one around the ribs, worked away into the gap at mid-wicket by Kamal for one run. Also, Ernest Masuku takes a tumble in his followthrough, but thankfully, he is fine.

Pitched fuller now and angled across off. Kamal leans on to drive but ends up playing to mid on. Four dots on the trot in this over.

Masuku continues to hit that in-between length, bowling it on middle and leg this time. Kamal blocks it off.

Similar line and length, a bit more leg-sided, and not all that full. Kamal tentatively pushes at it and hits it uppishly towards wide mid on.

Pitched up on a fullish length and on leg, Kamal looks to get forward but the ball holds in the pitch. The ball gets chipped off the face of the blade, but lands well short of the mid on fielder.

Evans outfoxes Gurbaz here. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is early to back away, and Evans sees this in his stride, ending up bowling it full and wide outside off. Gurbaz doesn't even try reaching it.

Full-pitched delivery, attacking the front pad. Kamal clips it wide of mid on and gets off the mark with a single.

Pitched up around off, Shahidullah Kamal gets onto the front foot again and punches it toward mid off now.

Fuller one outside off, Kamal gets forward well and strokes the ball away to backward point.

Half an appeal for LBW, but that's pitched outside leg. Evans lands this one just full of a good length, around leg and gets the ball to swing in sharply. Shahidullah Kamal looks to lick but plays all around it and gets rapped on the pads.

Tap and run. Pitched up on off stump, Gurbaz leans forward and pushes it gently in front of covers for a quick single.

Afghanistan are in a spot of bother here. Out walks Shahidullah Kamal at number 5.

OUT! LBW! A huge appeal, and it's been given. Seemed a tad too high, but there's no DRS, and Mohammad Akram unfortunately has to walk back to the dugout. A dream start for Ernest Masuku, though. Coming to the delivery, this is pitched on a hard length again, getting the ball to dart back in off the seam. Akram is caught back on the crease and gets beaten past the inside edge, getting hit on the thigh pad. Afghanistan are now 18/3 in the blink of an eye.

FOUR! Not in complete control but good enough. Dug in short and at the batter, Akram goes after it and manages to pull it just behind the squre leg fielder for a boundary.

The next batter is Mohammad Akram.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Ernest Masuku strikes in his first over and gets his maiden T20I wicket. Immaculate line from Ernest as he serves this one just short of a length and gets the ball to angle away from the off stump. Sediqullah Atal stays back and compact and has a late stab at it, ending up edging it behind to the keeper. Tadiwanashe Marumani makes no mistake and Atal has to walk back as well. Afghanistan are rocked early at 14/2.

Top delivery. A surprise yorker, on middle and leg. Gurbaz manages to squeeze it out on the off side and pinches a quick single as well.

Oh, that wasn't too far away from the off stump. On a good length, on off and nibbling away a bit. Gurbaz backs away a fair bit to go over the off side but fails to connect.

An early bowling change as Masuku comes on. The debutant starts with a shortish ball over off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets right behind the line to block.

Brilliant work in the deep from the debutant. Full and outside off, Sediqullah Atal throws his hands at it and gets a thick outside edge that flies down to deep third. Ernest Masuku is quick to move to his right and puts in a dive to save a couple of runs for his side.

Sediqullah Atal walks in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Brad Evans is absolutely pumped here. Evans pitches the ball on a fullish length and in the channel around off. Again, Ibrahim Zadran tries to force the drive when the length isn't quite there, and he tries to muscle this one, but hits it flat to cover. Brian Bennett takes a sharp catch, and Afghanistan are 11/1 inside the second over.

A huge appeal for LBW, but it is turned down. There was a noise, and perhaps an inside edge saved Zadran here. Full of a length, on middle and this one nips back in. Zadran looks to whip it leg side but gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the pads. Replays show that it might have been angling down leg.

FOUR! Smacked away for the first boundary of the game. Hard length on off, not quite there to be driven. Ibrahim Zadran stands tall and forces it on the up, to the right of mid off and picks up four runs.

On the money this time. Good length on off and middle, seaming away a touch. Zadran watchfully blocks it off.

Evans gets away with one here. Short and wide outside off, moves away late. Zadran's feet get stuck to the crease as he looks to square cut and is well beaten.

Brad Evans to steam in from the other end.

Just over the infield. Pitched up on the pads, Gurbaz leans on and flicks it aerially over the mid-wicket fielder, but doesn't time it all that well, and picks up a couple of runs. 7 off the first over despite the three wides.

Back of a length and outside off, Gurbaz rises with the bounce and pats it down to cover.

And then he bowls an absolute peach. Good length, on off and middle, nibbling away. Gurbaz is taken aback by the movement and extra bounce and tries to fend it off, but the ball beats the outside edge.

Wide! Pitched up wide of the off stump, getting it to angle further away. A third wide in the first over, pretty erratic from Nyamhuri.

No timing on it, but Ibrahim Zadran gets off the mark with a quick single. Hard length around off, Zadran looks to drive on the up, but gets it more off the inner half of the blade and in front of mid off for a run.

First runs off the bat. Good length around leg, Gurbaz tucks it down to deep square leg and crosses over to the other side.

Much better. Full of a good length, in the channel, and angling across the right-hander. Gurbaz has a feel for it outside the off stump, but gets beaten.

Wide! On the other side now. Nyamhuri shortens the length and darts it wide outside the off stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves it alone.

Wide! A bit of swing, but the line is too straight. On a good length, starts on leg and then shapes down the leg side. Afghanistan are underway with an extra.

Done with the pre-match proceedings, it is now time to get the play underway. The two umpires take their places on the field, as the players of Zimbabwe quickly form a huddle and spread out on the field. Skipper Ibrahim Zadran will open the innings for Afghanistan, alongside his usual partner Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Newman Nyamhuri will take the new ball for Zimbabwe, and he's raring to go. Let's play...

We are just minutes away from live action, but first, it is time for the two sets of players to line up for their respective national anthems. It will be the national anthem of Zimbabwe first, followed by that of Afghanistan.

PITCH REPORT - Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof is inspecting the deck. Maharoof starts by saying that there's a nice breeze which will help the players. Regarding the deck, he feels that it is a fresh one and should play well, also going on to mention that there is a bit more grass on it, which will help the seamers early on. Maharoof further mentions that there might be dew later on, and feels that a score of around 160-170 might be par.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (C), Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza, and Ernest Masuku (On T20I debut).

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Ibrahim Zadran (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Akram, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ijaz Ahmadzai, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Shahidullah Kamal.

The skipper of Afghanistan - Ibrahim Zadran starts by saying that they wanted to bowl first as well, but will now look to go on and set a good total on the board. On Afghanistan's recent form, he admits that they have been in pretty good form and mentions that it is a pretty changed unit from the ODI setup, and wants the newer guys to have fun and let the experienced players take on the pressure. Zadran ends by informing that Abdollah Ahmadzai, Noor ul Rahman, Fareed Ahmad and Abdullah Tarakhail miss out on this game.

The captain of Zimbabwe - Sikandar Raza says that they will be bowling first today. He reckons it’s a fresh wicket with some moisture on offer, and they want to make the most of it early on. Adds that while they’ve lost the ODI series, there are plenty of learnings to take into the T20I leg, and the focus will be on improving and putting up a better overall performance against Afghanistan. He shares that Ben Curran is fit and available, but Blessing Muzarabani misses out due to injury, with Ernest Masuku making his debut.

TOSS - Zimbabwe won the toss and will BOWL first.

Zimbabwe looking for revenge - The Chevrons, meanwhile, have shown encouraging form in the shortest format in recent times, but improving their scoring tempo will be crucial. Captain Sikandar Raza will be central to their plans, contributing with both bat and ball. Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, and Tadiwanashe Marumani will be tasked with providing the runs. At the same time, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, and Wellington Masakadza will look to deliver regular breakthroughs with the ball. Zimbabwe will be keen to put together a complete performance and draw first blood in the series. With two competitive sides ready to lock horns, the stage is set for an exciting contest in Sharjah. Will Afghanistan extend their winning run, or can Zimbabwe bounce back and take a 1-0 lead? We’ll find out soon enough. The toss and team news are just around the corner. Stay tuned for all the action.

Afghanistan looking dangerous in the UAE - Ibrahim Zadran will lead the side, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, and Mohammad Akram expected to shoulder the batting responsibilities. Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Shahidullah Kamal add depth and versatility with their all-round abilities, while Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad make up a formidable bowling attack. With Sharjah traditionally offering assistance to spinners, Afghanistan will look to make the most of the conditions and carry their winning momentum into the series.

A new beginning - Hello and a warm welcome to our coverage of the 1st T20I of the three-match series between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, from the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Afghanistan head into the series high on confidence after clinching the recently concluded Tri-Series. At the same time, Zimbabwe will be eager to put the disappointment of losing the final behind them and make a fresh start.

... MATCH DAY ...

A fresh battle in Sharjah - Afghanistan and Zimbabwe now switch from the 50-over game to the shortest format as the three-match T20I series gets underway at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The timing could hardly be more interesting, with Afghanistan arriving fresh from an unbeaten run through the ODI tri-series and a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in Friday's final. The T20Is, however, bring a different set of demands, and both sides will have to quickly shift their focus from building innings to making an impact from the very first ball. With all three matches to be played in Sharjah, familiarity with the conditions could prove important as the series gets underway. Afghanistan's T20I plans take shape - Afghanistan will enter the series with plenty of firepower, with Ibrahim Zadran continuing to lead the side after taking charge of the T20I team earlier this year. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal and Shahidullah Kamal provide batting options, while Azmatullah Omarzai adds all-round balance. Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman form a potent spin attack, complemented by the pace of Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad and Abdullah Ahmadzai. The squad also features Mohammad Akram and uncapped all-rounder Abdullah Tarakhil, while veteran Mohammad Nabi is absent from the T20I group. Plenty of experience behind the attack - Even without Nabi, Afghanistan have retained much of the experience that has made them such a difficult T20I side to contain. Rashid remains the headline threat, particularly at a venue where Afghanistan have enjoyed considerable success, while Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb give Ibrahim Zadran plenty of options through the middle overs. Gurbaz's ability to attack the Powerplay and Omarzai's value with both bat and ball could also be central to Afghanistan's plans. The side's recent T20I form has been less convincing than its ODI run, though, with a 1-4 record in its last five completed T20Is, including a 3-0 series defeat to India in September. Zimbabwe need a reset - Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will be looking to put the disappointment of the ODI final behind them and start this series on a different note. Sikandar Raza continues to lead the side and remains the key figure around whom much of the batting and bowling strategy will revolve. Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wessly Madhevere offer attacking options in the batting group, while Ryan Burl provides another experienced all-round option. With Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans and Newman Nyamhuri leading the pace attack, Zimbabwe have enough variety to challenge Afghanistan if they can make early inroads. A mixed T20I run to overcome - Zimbabwe's recent T20I form has also been inconsistent. They last played in the Namibia T20I tri-series in August-September, beating Namibia twice but losing to South Africa three times, including a 48-run defeat in the final. Before that, they were swept 3-0 by India in July, leaving them with plenty to improve in this format. The upside is that the squad contains several players who have shown they can make an impact in T20 cricket, with Raza, Brian Bennett and the pace duo of Muzarabani and Evans all capable of changing a game quickly. A one-sided rivalry - The head-to-head record makes for difficult reading for Zimbabwe. Afghanistan have won 19 of the 21 T20Is between the sides, with Zimbabwe's only two victories coming in the 2024 series. Afghanistan have also won the last five meetings, including a 3-0 sweep when the teams last met in a T20I series in Zimbabwe in October-November 2025. That series showed both sides of Afghanistan's T20 game, they won the first two comfortably before Zimbabwe pushed them all the way in the final, only for Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 92 off 48 balls to help Afghanistan defend 210 by nine runs. Form (Last 5 completed T20Is, recent first) - AFG - LWLLL | ZIM - LWLWL. Who will draw first blood? Afghanistan have momentum, a strong record against Zimbabwe and a bowling attack that appears particularly well suited to conditions in Sharjah. Zimbabwe, though, have a chance to wipe the slate clean and attack a format in which they have produced some encouraging individual performances despite an uneven run of results. Let's see who comes out on top.