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

SIX! AFGHANISTAN TAKE AN UNASSAILABLE 2-0 LEAD! A maximum to end the game, but Zimbabwe fell short by 19 runs! Fuller than a length, at the stumps. Raza swings hard and heaves it over the deep backward square leg fence for a massive six that lands on the roof. Zimbabwe finish on 202/5, falling short in the end.

A low full toss, just outside off. Sikandar Raza swings for the fences but fails to connect.

Pitched full, on off. Tafadzwa Tsiga hits it down to long on for one.

HUNDRED FOR SIKANDAR RAZA! A low full toss around off. Raza drills it to deep extra cover for a single.

SIX! BANG! Slower ball on the full, on off. Raza crouches low and smokes it over the long on fence for a massive hit. Sikandar Raza moves to 99.

WIDE! On a length and wide outside the tramline. Sikandar Raza lets it go. Wide signaled.

Full length delivery, around off. Tafadzwa Tsiga squeezes it through the gap at point for one.

Ijaz Ahmadzai to bowl the final over of the game. Zimbabwe needs 36 off the final over.

SIX! Sikandar Raza connects and gets the maximum. Drops it short, on the middle and leg. Raza gets into a good position and pulls it over the deep square leg fence for half a dozen. The 100-run stand comes up between Sikandar Raza and Tafadzwa Tsiga.

Short and outside off. Tafadzwa Tsiga hits it toward wide of long off for a single.

Darted flat, around off. Sikandar Raza slaps it toward deep cover for a single.

Flatter delivery, just inside the tramline. Raza leaves it alone, thinking it to be a wide. Dot ball.

WIDE! On a length and turning past the tramline. Raza leaves it alone for a wide.

Flatter and quicker, just outside off. Raza makes room and slaps it toward the man at deep cover. Denies the single.

Flatter arm ball, on the middle. Tsiga pulls it toward deep square leg for one.

Shahidullah Kamal comes into the attack and will bowl the penultimate over.

Full length delivery, around off. Tafadzwa Tsiga slices it on the bounce toward deep backward point for a single.

WIDE! A low full toss, outside the tramline. Tafadzwa Tsiga shuffles and tries the reverse scoop but misses. Wided.

Yorker, around off. Raza squeezes it toward short third for one.

SIX! Dropped and six! Fuller than a length, around off. Sikandar Raza lofts it high toward the deep extra cover region. Mohammad Akram runs around the ropes to take the catch but gets into a tangle as the ball hits his palms and goes over the ropes for another biggie.

SIX! All the way! Fuller than a length, outside off. Raza frees the arms and slices it over the deep cover point fence for a flat hit.

A low full toss, almost a yorker, just outside off. Raza tries to squeeze it through point but gets an inside edge that goes to the left of the keeper, who does well to stop it.

Fuller than a length, around off. Raza hacks it toward the gap at deep mid-wicket for a couple.

Tossed up full, on the middle and leg. Raza makes room and eases it down to long on for one. Zimbabwe need 63 off 18 balls.

Looped up full, just outside off. Tafadzwa Tsiga lifts it on the bounce to long on for a single.

Quicker leg break, on off. Tafadzwa Tsiga knocks it toward the man at extra cover.

Fuller and quicker at the stumps. Pushed through the gap at covers for a single.

FOUR! Up and away! Tossed up full, at the stumps. Raza makes room and goes inside out toward the deep extra cover region for a crunching boundary.

SIX! Belted! Shortish googly, turning into the middle and leg. Raza goes back and hammers it over the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen.

Pace off delivery, short of a good length on off. Sikandar Raza mistimes the hack toward long on for a single.

Fuller than a length, just outside off. Raza throws the kitchen sink at it, tries to heave it across the line but misses completely.

A low full toss on off. Tafadzwa Tsiga drills it to mid off and a fumble but they settle with the run.

SIX! That's a gift! A low full toss at the stumps. Tafadzwa Tsiga picks it early and deposits it over the cow corner fence for half a dozen.

A high full toss at the stumps. Tafadzwa Tsiga mistimes it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Smart batting! A low full toss at the stumps. Tsiga gets across and scoops it toward fine leg for a cheeky boundary.

FOUR! Nicely done! Another low full toss, just outside off. Sikandar Raza opens the bat face and guides it through the gap at short third for a boundary. The 50-run stand comes up between Raza and Tsiga. After 15 overs, Zimbabwe are 134/5.

A low full toss on off. Tafadzwa Tsiga eases it down to long on for one.

Fraction short, turning into the middle. Sikandar Raza mis-times the pull toward mid-wicket for one.

Tossed up on a length, carrom ball, just outside off. Raza swings and misses.

SIX! BOOM! Flighted full, on the middle. Raza has slogged it over the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen. Fifty comes up as well for Sikandar Raza.

Very full, on off. Raza keeps it out into the off side.

Pace off delivery, full and around off. Raza steers it through the gap at point for a single. 100 needed off 36 balls for Zimbabwe.

Yorker, on the middle and leg. Sikandar Raza works it through the gap at mid-wicket for two more.

Pitched full, around off. Tafadzwa Tsiga steers it through the gap at point for a single.

Fuller than a good length, around off. Tsiga has lofted this over the extra cover region for a couple.

Slower ball yorker, just outside off. Raza squeezes it through the gap at backward point for one.

FOUR! Cheeky and effective! Banged in short, on the middle. Raza crouches low and ramps it over the keeper for a clever boundary to start the over.

SIX! Punished! Drags it short, on the middle. Tafadzwa Tsiga rocks back and smokes it over deep mid-wicket for half a dozen.

Flatter on the middle and leg. Raza punches it down to long on for one.

FOUR! Up and over! Tosses it full, around off. Raza gets under it and lofts it toward the wide long off region. One bounce and over the ropes.

WIDE! Flatter and quicker, down the leg. Raza lets it go. Another wide. 100 comes up for Zimbabwe.

WIDE! Fuller and quicker, down the leg. Raza looks to sweep but misses.

Tossed up full, on off. Raza pushes it back to Mujeeb.

LEG BYE! Fuller off break, turning into the middle and leg. Tafadzwa Tsiga looks to work it across but misses onto the pad. The ball rolls off the pad to short third for a leg bye. Big appeal from the bowler for LBW is turned down.

Tosses it very full, just outside off. Tafadzwa Tsiga bunts it toward short cover.

SIX! Banged onto the roof! Pace off, back of a length on off. Raza picks it up early and pulls it hard over the deep square leg fence for a massive hit.

On a length, around off. Tafadzwa Tsiga guides it toward deep third for a single.

Back of a length again, around off. Tafadzwa Tsiga hops and steers it toward the man at backward point.

Back of a length, on off. Tafadzwa Tsiga gets behind the line and knocks it down the pitch.

Slower ball on the full, just outside off. Tsiga eases it through the gap at extra cover and mid off for a couple.

Back of a length, angled across. Tafadzwa Tsiga looks to pull but misses.

Quicker leg break, on the full, at the stick. Raza prods and defends into the off side.

Fuller and quicker on the leg. Raza nudges it through mid-wicket for two more.

Tosses it full, down the leg. Raza paddles it toward fine leg for a couple.

Looped up on off. Tsiga comes forward and knocks it to long on for one.

Flighted full, on off. Raza eases it toward long off for one.

Tossed up around off. Raza drives it toward extra cover for none.

DRINKS BREAK! Zimbabwe are in a spot of bother at 82/5 at the halfway mark, with Raza fighting a lone battle. With the required rate soaring to 14 runs per over, the Chevrons skipper will need to produce a monumental effort to keep his side in the hunt. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will look to maintain the pressure, strike at regular intervals, and keep a firm grip on the contest. Also, Tafadzwa Tsiga walks in at number 7.

OUT! TAKEN! Fareed Ahmad gets into the wickets! Slower ball on a fullish length, around off. Wessly Madhevere brings out the reverse sweep but hits it straight to Mohammad Akram at the short third region, who makes no mistake. Zimbabwe have lost half of their side now.

Fuller than a length on off. Raza clears the front leg and heaves it along the ground toward deep mid-wicket for a single.

Slower ball on the full, just outside off. Wessly Madhevere eases it down to long off for one.

Fuller than a length on off. Raza drills it down to long on for one.

A low full toss angling away from the batter. Raza shimmies down and drills it toward deep extra cover for a couple.

FOUR! Up and over! Fuller than a length, in the slot on off. Raza lifts it over the man at mid off for a welcome boundary.

Short and outside off. Raza cuts it through the gap at point for a single.

Flatter googly, on off. Madhevere nudges it toward wide of mid-on for a single.

Tosses it full, around off. Wessly Madhevere drives it through the gap at point for a couple.

Wessly Madhevere walks in at number 6.

OUT! LBW! 200 T20I WICKETS FOR RASHID KHAN! He becomes the first bowler to get to the milestone in the shortest format. A quicker leg break delivery, turning back into the middle and leg stump line. Tadiwanashe Marumani goes back for the pull, but the ball skids through and pins him in front. Appeal from the bowler and up goes the finger. Zimbabwe are four down.

Tosses it full, just outside off. Marumani tries to heave across the line but misses.

Ouch! Flatter googly, just outside off. Marumani tries the reverse sweep but misses and wears it on the box. He is down in pain as the physio comes to have a look. A stifled appeal from the bowler is turned down. He seems fine now and will carry on.

Pitched up full, attacking the stumps. Raza drives it to the man at mid off.

Banged in short, just outside off. Raza hops and tries to ramp it over the keeper but misses. The umpire signals it one bumper for the over.

Slower ball on the full, on the middle and leg. Marumani nudges into the leg side and takes one.

Another yorker, in the blockhole. Raza gets his bat down in time and squeezes it toward short fine leg for one.

Yorker, around off. Tadiwanashe Marumani squeezes it through the gap at backward point for one.

WIDE! Fuller than a length, angling down the leg. Tadiwanashe Marumani plays and misses. Wide signaled.

Tadiwanashe Marumani walks in at number 5.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Abdollah Ahmadzai gets another. Comes from round the wicket and bowls it full and quick, angling into the middle. Burl tries to work it across the line but misses as the ball zips through and rattles the stumps. Zimbabwe are three down and in trouble.

Flighted on the middle and leg. Raza sweeps it past short fine leg for a couple.

IN THE AIR BUT SAFE! Looped up full, around off. Burl tries to go leg side, gets a thick leading edge that evades the extra cover fielder for a single.

Flatter leg break, around off. Raza covers the line and taps it in front of the man at point for one.

Flighted full, on off. Raza comes forward and pushes it back to Rashid.

Tosses it full, just outside off. Burl eases it toward point for one.

Flatter googly, on the middle and leg. Raza nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Rashid Khan comes into the attack.

Pitched full, just outside off. Burl tries to squeeze it away but misses. Zimbabwe are 59/2 after the Powerplay.

Ryan Burl walks in at number 4.

OUT! TAKEN! Abdollah Ahmadzai strikes! Slower ball on the full, around off. Bennett drags the ball from outside and hacks it off the toe end toward wide of mid on. Rashid Khan moves to his right and takes a sharp catch. Bennett goes for 22. Zimbabwe are two down.

Pace off delivery on the full, around off. Brian Bennett plays and misses. Gets deceived by the change of pace.

Fuller than a length, around off. Brian Bennett drives it straight to the man at cover.

WIDE! Short of a length, outside the tramline. Bennett swings and misses. Wide signaled.

SIX! Nicely done! Fuller than a length, around off. Bennett shuffles in the crease and reverse scoops it over the third man boundary for a biggie.

LEG BYE! Abdollah Ahmadzai starts with a back of a length ball on the middle and leg. Raza is rushed on the pull, gets hit on the thigh pad as the ball rolls away toward backward point for a leg bye.

Flatter and quicker on the middle and leg. Raza tucks it through square leg for a single.

Shortish googly, on the middle and leg. Bennett pulls it on the bounce to deep backward square leg fence for a single.

On a length, on the leg. Raza pulls it toward short fine leg for one.

SIX! Smart batting! Flatter delivery, sliding down the leg. Raza gets inside the line and helps it over the fine leg fence for half a dozen.

Flatter and quicker on middle. Raza punches this to short cover.

Fraction short, on the middle and leg. Bennett pulls it toward deep square leg for one.

Fuller than a length, a hint of swing, around off. Raza pushes this into the cover region.

Pace off, short of a good length, outside the leg pole. Bennett makes a lot of room and punches it wide of mid off for a single.

Fuller than a length on the leg. Raza flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Captain Sikandar Raza walks in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Omarzai has the last laugh. Sees the batter coming down the track and bowls it short, on off. Kaia goes through with the pull shot, gets the top edge that flies toward the long leg region, where Shahidullah Kamal takes a good catch. Kaia departs for a brisk 25. Zimbabwe lose their first wicket.

FOUR! BANG! Pace off delivery, short of a good length on off. Kaia clears the front leg and smashes it over mid on for a boundary.

Fuller than a length at the stumps. Kaia makes room and lifts it toward deep extra cover for a couple.

Fuller and quicker, around off. Bennett strokes it toward the man at cover.

Fraction short, around off. Bennett looks to cut but gets a thick outside edge that rolls toward short third.

Flatter and quicker on off. Kaia flat bats it down to long-on for one.

Tossed up on a length, just outside off. Kaia tries to hack but misses.

Tossed up full, just outside off. Bennett looks to drive, gets an inside edge to short fine leg for one.

SIX! Mujeeb is greeted in style! Tossed up on the middle and leg. Brian Bennett sits low, gets across and sweeps it aerially over fine leg for a biggie.

FOUR! Belted! Fuller than a length, around off. Kaia gets on top of the bounce and hammers it through mid off for a powerful boundary.

Short of a good length, jags back into the middle and leg stump line. Kaia plays all around it and wears it high on the pad.

Fuller than a length, on off. Kaia hacks it through the gap at mid-wicket and mid on for a couple of runs. Good sliding stop by Rashid Khan.

Fuller than a good length on off. Bennett lifts it toward wide of mid on for a single.

On a length, around off. Kaia steers it toward the man at point for a quick single.

Short of a good length, around off. Kaia swings and misses.

WIDE! Slower ball, fuller than a length, down the leg. Kaia plays and misses. Wide to start.

Who will share the attack? It will be Azmatullah Omarzai.

Fuller than a length on off. Kaia pushes it toward mid off for a single.

SIX! Gift from Fareed Ahmad! Fuller than a length on the pad. Kaia flicks it nonchalanlty over the long leg fence for half a dozen.

FOUR! Whacked! Short of a good length on off. Kaia clears the front leg and hammers it over mid-wicket for a powerful boundary.

Fuller than a good length, nips back into the middle and leg. Bennett flicks it toward deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! Zimbabwe are up and running in style! Fuller than a good length, wide outside off. Brian Bennett frees the arms and lifts it toward the deep extra cover region for a boundary.

Fareed Ahmad starts with a good length delivery on off. Brian Bennett defends into the on side.

SIX! What an end to this innings! Short, on leg, Rashid Khan uses the pace of the ball and helps it over fine leg for another six. Afghanistan end their innings at 221/7.

A full toss, on leg, Rashid Khan flicks it towards deep square leg. He wanted a no ball but nothing from the umpire.

SIX! Three in a row from Rashid Khan! Short, on leg, Rashid Khan stays in his crease and tonks it over long on for yet another six.

SIX! Unbelievable but true! Back of a length, outside off, Rashid Khan picks it well and tonks it over deep backward point for yet another six.

SIX! 200 comes up for Afghanistan! Back of a length, on leg, Rashid Khan latches onto it and pulls it all the way over deep mid-wicket for a massive six.

Back of a length, outside off, Mujeeb Ur Rahman looks to slap it but gets a top edge. The ball flies over short third for a single.

Full, on leg, Mujeeb Ur Rahman flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman walks in.

OUT! TAKEN! A magnificent knock from Azmatullah Omarzai comes to an end. Shortish, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai looks it loft it but doesn't connect well. The ball goes straight in the hands of Brad Evans who makes no mistake.

Fullish, on off, Rashid Khan steers it through point for a single.

A low full toss, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai flicks it through square leg for a single.

SIX MORE! Back-to-back sixes from Azmatullah Omarzai! Bangs it short, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai stays back and tonks it over long on for yet another six.

SIX! Azmatullah Omarzai is in some form! Full and on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai latches onto it and hammers it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.

Wide! Way outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai leaves.

Rashid Khan walks in to bat now.

OUT! TAKEN! Kundai Matigimu with a good catch. A slower one, outside off, Ijaz Ahmadzai looks to loft it but doesn't connect well. The ball goes towards mid off, where Kundai Matigimu dives forward and takes the catch. The umpire checks and confirms that it was a clean catch.

FOUR! Fifty up for Ijaz Ahmadzai! Back-to-back T20I fifties for him. Full and outside off, Ijaz Ahmadzai picks it well and scoops it over short third for a boundary.

Wide! Way outside off, Ijaz Ahmadzai leaves. Wided.

Too full, outside off, Ijaz Ahmadzai drives it through point for two more.

FOUR! Edgy again! A full toss, Ijaz Ahmadzai looks to scoop it but gets an inside edge. The ball flies over short fine leg for another boundary.

FOUR! Runs are flowing for Afghanistan! Full and outside off, Ijaz Ahmadzai swings hard but gets an outside edge. The ball flies over short third for a boundary.

Too full, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai digs it to mid off for a single.

Nice and full, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Hundred up for Azmatullah Omarzai! A maiden century for him. Good length, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai picks it well and guides it over backward point for a boundary. What a knock this has been from him.

SIX! Azmatullah Omarzai moves to 97 now! Full and on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai move forward and powers it over long on for a maximum.

FOUR! 150 comes up for Afghanistan now! Full and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai uses his feet and powers it over cover for a boundary.

SIX MORE! Back-to-back sixes from Azmatullah Omarzai! Back of a length, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai picks it well and tonks it over long on for another six.

SIX! A 100-run partnership comes up between this duo now! Back of a length, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai stays in his crease and pulls it over deep square leg for a huge six.

A low full toss, outside off, Ijaz Ahmadzai chips it over extra covers for a brace.

Full and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai drives it through covers for a single.

Wide! Short, down leg, Azmatullah Omarzai leaves it alone.

Just short! Much fuller, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai chips it over extra covers for a brace. The ball lands just short of the fielder in the deep.

Wide! Width, way too wide. Wided.

SIX MORE! This man is looking dangerous! Full and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai stays in his crease and powers it over deep extra cover for yet another six.

SIX! That goes all the way! Back of a length, on middle and leg, Azmatullah Omarzai latches onto it and tonks it over long on for a big six.

A wide yorker, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to play at it but misses.

Top full, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai knocks it to mid on for a single.

SIX! That is such a good shot! A bit short, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai stays in his crease and hammers it over deep extra cover for a six.

Shortish, on leg, Ijaz Ahmadzai taps it to long on for one more.

Flatter, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai knocks it to mid on for a single.

FOUR! Fifty up for Azmatullah Omarzai! His third fifty in this format. Full and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai picks it well and drives it through covers for a magnificent boundary.

SIX! That's a huge six! A bit short, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai moves to his leg side and tonks it over long on for a big six. 100 comes up for Afghanistan.

A tad fuller, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai knocks it to long on for a single.

Down the leg side, Ijaz Ahmadzai looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls fine. They collect a leg bye.

Much fuller, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai taps it to cover for a single.

FOUR! Through the gap! Slightly shorter, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai rocks back and cuts it through the gap at backward point for a boundary.

SIX! Quality shot from Omarzai! A bit fuller, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai makes room and powers it over long on for a clean six. A 50-run partnership comes up between this duo now.

That kept low! Flatter, outside off and it keeps low. Azmatullah Omarzai swings hard but misses.

FOUR! Lovely timing on this! Full and outside off, Ijaz Ahmadzai gets down on one knee and cracks a drive through cover-point for a magnificent boundary.

Good length, on off, Ijaz Ahmadzai taps it to cover. He runs for a single but is sent back. The fielder has a shy at the batter's end but misses.

Beaten! Shaping away, outside off, Ijaz Ahmadzai moves forward and looks to loft it but misses.

Back of a length, slightly down the leg side, Ijaz Ahmadzai looks to flick it but wears it on his pads. Dot.

SIX! That's a terrific shot! Short and on leg, Ijaz Ahmadzai swivels, uses the pace of the ball, and helps it over fine leg for a bigge.

Good length, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it through covers for a single.

Much fuller, on off, Ijaz Ahmadzai taps it to mid on.

SIX! Afghanistan are making a dramatic comeback here! Flatter, on off, Ijaz Ahmadzai rocks back and clatters it over long on for a humongous six.

FOUR! Streaky but they will take it! Flatter, on leg, Ijaz Ahmadzai looks it flicks it but doesn't connect well. The ball still races away through fine leg for a boundary.

Quicker, outside off, Ijaz Ahmadzai punchesnit through covers for a brace.

Shortish, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Flatter, on off, Ijaz Ahmadzai knocks it to mid on for a single.

Flatter, on off, Ijaz Ahmadzai knocks it down the ground for a single.

A bit short, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai taps it to extra cover for a single.

SIX! Absolutely gorgeous from Omarzai! Shortish, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai rocks back and powers it over deep mid-wicket as the ball sails into the stands.

Flatter, outside off, Ijaz Ahmadzai guides it to short third for a single.

SIX! That's a mighty stroke from Ijaz Ahmadzai! Short, on leg, Ijaz Ahmadzai rocks back and pulls it all the way over deep mid-wicket for a huge six.

A bit short, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it through point for a single.

DRINKS! Afghanistan are in deep trouble at 45 for 5 after ten overs. Zimbabwe stayed on high alert, desperate not to let them slip away like they did in the first game. Out in the middle, a well-set Azmatullah Omarzai and last match's hero, Ijaz Ahmadzai, took on the rescue mission to keep their team's hopes alive. Let's see how it goes...

A bit short, on off, Ijaz Ahmadzai punches it to cover.

Shortish, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Too full, on off, Ijaz Ahmadzai pushes it to point for a single.

A bit short, on off, Ijaz Ahmadzai blocks it back to the bowler.

Flatter, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai knocks it to mid on for one more.

Angling in, on off, Ijaz Ahmadzai pushes it to mid off for a single.

Quicker, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai eases it to mid off again.

Fullish, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai taps it to mid off.

Flatter, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai sweeps it through square leg for a brace.

Drops it short, on off, Ijaz Ahmadzai chips it towards mid on for a single.

Flatter, on leg, Ijaz Ahmadzai flicks it to backward square leg.

Ijaz Ahmadzai is the new batter.

OUT! STUMPED! Brilliant work behind the stumps from Tadiwanashe Marumani. Tossed up, outside off, turning away. Sediqullah Atal comes forward and looks to flick it but misses. Tadiwanashe Marumani collects the call and whips the bails off in a flash.

A tad fuller, outside off, Sediqullah Atal drives it through covers for a single.

Good length, on off, Sediqullah Atal punches it to extra cover.

Angling in, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Quality shot! Ernest Masuku bangs it short, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai picks it well and slaps it over cover for a boundary.

SIX! All the way! A tad fuller, just outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai latches onto it and powers it magnificently over long on for a huge six.

Good length, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai pushes it to point.

Two wides! Down the leg side, Sediqullah Atal leaves. The keeper fails to stop it as the batters collect a single.

Too full, on off, Sediqullah Atal knocks it to long off for a single.

Tossed up, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai slashes it through point for a single.

Nice and full, on off, Sediqullah Atal digs it to mid on for a single.

Tossed up, on off, Sediqullah Atal flicks it to mid-wicket.

Turn and bounce, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai knocks it to mid on for a single.

Too full, on middle, Sediqullah Atal knocks it down the ground for a single.

Afghanistan are reeling at 19/4 at the end of Powerplay. Vincent Masekesa comes into the attack.

Much fuller, on off, Sediqullah Atal pushes it to mid off for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

Much fuller, on leg, Sediqullah Atal flicks it to mid-wicket.

Just over backward point! Angling in, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to loft it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball lobs over Wessly Madhevere at backward point and lands safely as Madhevere dives and tries to take the catch. The batters collect a single.

A yard behind good length, on leg, Sediqullah Atal tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Full and on off, Sediqullah Atal eases it to mid off.

Good length, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai slashes it through backward point for a single.

Much fuller, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai flicks it through square leg for a single.

A tad fuller, on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai eases it to mid off.

Angling in, on off, Sediqullah Atal looks to block it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards short fine leg. They collect a single.

Shaping away, outside off, Sediqullah Atal tries to punch it but misses.

FOUR MORE! Back-to-back boundaries from Atal! Brad Evans goes short again, on leg, Sediqullah Atal latches onto it and pulls it through the right of deep square leg for yet another boundary.

FOUR! That will ease some pressure! Back of a length, on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal stays in his crease and pulls it powerfully through square leg for a confident boundary.

A double wicket maiden from Kundai Matigimu! Back of a length, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it to point.

Shaping in, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it to cover.

Nice and full, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai pushes it to mid off.

Short and wide, Azmatullah Omarzai leaves it alone.

Azmatullah Omarzai will face the hat-trick ball.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! What is happening here? Kundai Matigimu has two in two. Shaping away, on off, and slightly shorter. Shahidullah Kamal looks to block it but misses. Gets a thin edge and Tadiwanashe Marumani behind the sticks does the rest. Kundai Matigimu on a hat-trick now.

Shahidullah Kamal walks in.

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Kundai Matigimu strikes on his very first ball. Back of a length, just outside off, with a hint of movement. Ibrahim Zadran tries to reach and it and punch it. The ball catches the inside edge and chips onto the stumps. Afghanistan go three down in a jiffy.

Fuller ball, on off, Sediqullah Atal knocks it straight to the fielder at mid off.

Slightly shorter, outside off, Sediqullah Atal punches it through covers for a couple of runs.

Angling in, on off, Sediqullah Atal stabs it to mid off.

Back of a length, down the leg side, Ibrahim Zadran looks to flick it but the ball brushes his hips and rolls fine. They collect a leg bye.

A tad fuller, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it to cover. Ryan Burl dives to his left and makes a magnificent stop. Dot.

Nice and full, on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to mid on.

That kept low! Back of a length, outside off, and it keeps low. Sediqullah Atal has a waft at it but misses.

Edgy! Good length, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to punch it but edges it to third man for a single.

Back of a length, on off, Ibrahim Zadran knocks it to mid off.

Good length, just outside off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it but to the cover fielder.

Angling in, on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to cover.

Hits the deck hard, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to mid on.

What a start from Brad Evans. Ernest Masuku to share the attack.

Angling in, on off, Sediqullah Atal blocks it to cover. A brilliant start from Brad Evans.

Full and straight, Sediqullah Atal drives it to cover.

Sediqullah Atal walks in.

OUT! TAKEN! What a start from Brad Evans. He bangs it short, on middle and leg. Mohammad Akram tries to pull it but doesn't get the connection on it. It carries towards deep square leg where Vincent Masekesa makes no mistake. Mohammad Akram walks back on a duck too.

Wide! Width, way too wide. Wided.

Beaten! Shaping away, outside off, Mohammad Akram tries to block it but misses.

Mohammad Akram walks in.

OUT! TAKEN! Brad Evans strikes in the very first over. Angling in, on a length, on leg. Rahmanullah Gurbaz moves to his leg side and tries to go big. He looks to loft it but the ball hits the upper part of his bat. It goes high up in the air towards mid off. Sikandar Raza settles under it, keeps his eyes on the ball, and takes a sharp catch. Rahmanullah walks back for a duck.

Some bounce and movement straightaway! Back of a length, outside off, shaping away. Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves it alone.

We are all set for the action to begin. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz open up for Afghanistan. Brad Evans has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Pitch Report - Mazhar Uddin inspects a fresh pitch where a cool breeze drifts across to assist the spin bowlers. A neat three-millimeter layer of grass gives the fast bowlers plenty of early movement, ensuring the batters face a difficult test right from the start.

The captain of Afghanistan - Ibrahim Zadran admits he also prefers to bowl first, but his focus now turns to setting a strong target on the board. He knows the Sharjah pitch behaves tricky during the opening overs, so he counts on his batters to handle the early movement and build a fighting total, backed by two fresh changes in the lineup.

The captain of Zimbabwe - Sikandar Raza decides to bowl first to attack while the fresh pitch makes batting difficult. Remembering how his team lost control after promising starts in earlier games, he demands a complete and disciplined performance this time, bringing in three changes that feature two excited debutants.

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

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Innocent Kaia, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Brad Evans, Kundai Matigimu, Ernest Masuku, Vincent Masekesa.

TOSS - Zimbabwe have won the toss and will BOWL first.

Muzarabani watch on a tricky pitch - All eyes before the toss will be on star pacer Blessing Muzarabani, who will walk straight back into the Zimbabwe lineup if declared fully fit ahead of the remaining T20 and Tests schedule. The Sharjah surface will once again assist the slower bowlers, making early runs in the powerplay absolute gold for both sides. Can Zimbabwe bounce back to force a decider, or will Afghanistan wrap up the trophy today? Don't go anywhere, the toss is coming up next!

Converting starts for the Chevrons - For Zimbabwe, the biggest learning is finishing the job with both bat and ball. While Newman Nyamhuri and the bowlers struck early in the opener, they must execute better at the death to stop late fireworks. More importantly, batters like Ryan Burl, Innocent Kaia, and captain Sikandar Raza got starts in the last outing but need to convert them into big match-winning scores rather than losing wickets at regular intervals.

Fixing the Afghan top order - Afghanistan will demand a much sharper start from their top-order batters today after losing three wickets inside the first three overs in the previous game. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran need to build a stable foundation in the powerplay instead of relying on middle-order rescues from Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal, and Rashid Khan. With the ball, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman will aim to repeat their ruthless wicket-taking form right from the start.

Hello and welcome to Sharjah! A warm welcome to cricket fans around the globe! We are live from the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium for the crucial second T20 between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. Afghanistan holds a 1-0 lead after a commanding victory in the series opener. Today, they look to seal the T20 series with a game to spare, while the Chevrons fight to keep their series dreams alive!

... MATCH DAY ...

Make or break - The second T20I between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe promises to be an important contest in their three-match series in the United Arab Emirates. With the series moving into its second encounter, both teams will be looking to build momentum, make the most of their strengths and respond to the tactical challenges presented by their opponents. Afghanistan will look to use their experience in the shortest format and their formidable spin resources, while Zimbabwe will aim to combine disciplined bowling with purposeful batting to challenge a side that can be particularly dangerous when its key players find rhythm. The conditions at Sharjah are likely to have a significant influence on the contest. Depending on the nature of the surface, teams may need to balance their approach between aggressive stroke-making and the patience required to negotiate slower deliveries. The side that adapts more effectively to the pitch, controls the middle overs and executes its plans under pressure could gain a decisive advantage. Building on a strong start - Afghanistan enter the second T20I with confidence after securing a 37-run victory in the opening match. Their first-innings total of 177 was enough to put Zimbabwe under pressure, and their bowlers subsequently completed the job by dismissing the opposition for 140. The result demonstrated Afghanistan's ability to combine competitive batting with a varied bowling attack, giving them an opportunity to move within touching distance of a series sweep. One of the most encouraging aspects of Afghanistan's first-match performance was the contribution from their middle order. Ijaz Ahmadzai scored 52, while Shahidullah Kamal added 46, providing the runs that helped Afghanistan establish a challenging total. Their performances highlighted the value of having batters who can rebuild an innings after early setbacks while still finding opportunities to accelerate. Afghanistan will hope their top order, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal and captain Ibrahim Zadran, can provide a stronger platform in the second encounter. Afghanistan's world-class all-rounders - The all-round capabilities of Azmatullah Omarzai also offer Afghanistan useful flexibility. He can contribute with the bat in the middle and lower order while providing an additional seam-bowling option. This balance gives the captain greater freedom when managing bowling changes and selecting the right combination for different stages of the innings. Afghanistan's biggest advantage, however, remains their spin department. Rashid Khan is capable of controlling the scoring rate while creating wicket-taking opportunities, and his variations can be difficult to negotiate on a surface that offers grip. He can even turn the game around with the bat, as he showcased in the previous game. Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman provide further variety, allowing Afghanistan to attack from different angles. Their collective effectiveness through the middle overs could once again determine whether Zimbabwe can build a competitive chase. In need of a response - Zimbabwe will need a more effective batting performance if they are to level the series. Their first-match total of 140 fell 38 runs short of Afghanistan's target-setting score of 178, leaving little doubt that the batting unit must improve its ability to sustain partnerships and manage the pressure created by Afghanistan's bowlers. The visitors cannot afford to allow wickets to fall in clusters, particularly during the middle overs when the Afghan spinners are likely to exert their greatest influence. Captain Sikandar Raza will be central to Zimbabwe's response. An experienced all-rounder, Raza offers tactical awareness, batting versatility and the ability to contribute with the ball. Zimbabwe need him to provide leadership through a demanding phase of the series, whether by stabilising the innings after early wickets or accelerating when the team has a platform. His decisions regarding batting tempo and bowling changes will also be important as Zimbabwe attempt to disrupt Afghanistan's rhythm. Brian Bennett, Wessly Madhevere and Ryan Burl are among the players Zimbabwe can look to for greater consistency. Bennett's ability to rotate the strike and find scoring opportunities will be valuable against Afghanistan's spin attack, while Madhevere can provide impetus if he settles early. Burl's experience and ability to play attacking shots could become particularly useful in the latter stages of the innings. Zimbabwe will need these contributions to complement Raza's efforts rather than relying too heavily on their captain. A few positives - Zimbabwe's bowling attack, meanwhile, showed that it could cause problems even in defeat. Newman Nyamhuri claimed four wickets in the first T20I, while Brad Evans also made an impact with the ball. Nyamhuri's performance was a significant positive for the visitors, demonstrating that Zimbabwe have the ability to take wickets against Afghanistan's batting lineup. The challenge now is to combine that wicket-taking threat with greater control, especially when Afghanistan look to accelerate. Blessing Muzarabani sat out in the first game due to workload management, but expect him to play in this must-win contest. Muzarabani's pace and bounce could also play a major role. If he can exploit the new ball and force Afghanistan's batters to play away from their preferred scoring areas, Zimbabwe may be able to make early breakthroughs. The visitors will need disciplined lengths, effective use of slower deliveries and smart field placements to prevent Afghanistan from finishing strongly. The role of Sharjah's unpredictable surface - The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is traditionally associated with relatively short boundaries, making it a venue where batters can score quickly if they find their timing. However, the surface can also become slower as a match progresses, bringing spinners and bowlers who vary their pace into the contest. The balance between aggressive stroke-making and calculated batting will therefore be important for both teams. Afghanistan's familiarity with conditions in the UAE could prove valuable, particularly given the depth of their spin resources. Their bowlers will look to exploit any grip available, while Zimbabwe may need to use sweeps, quick footwork and controlled aggression to prevent the spinners from dictating the tempo. Form (Last 5 completed T20Is, recent first) - AFG - WLWLL | ZIM - LLWLW. Prediction time - Afghanistan start as favourites after winning the first T20I by 37 runs. Their spin depth, familiarity with UAE conditions and encouraging contributions from the middle order give them a clear platform from which to pursue another victory. Zimbabwe's strongest route to an upset is to strike early with the ball, restrict Afghanistan to a manageable total and build a more composed chase around Raza and their top-order batters. Nyamhuri's wicket-taking ability provides a genuine reason for optimism, but Zimbabwe must improve their batting execution to capitalise on it. Who are you backing for the win?