Afghanistan Level T20I Series with 50-Run Win Over Zimbabwe: Rasooli Stars with Maiden Half-Century

Afghanistan leveled the T20I series against Zimbabwe with a dominant 50-run victory in the second match, thanks to a brilliant all-round performance. Darwish Rasooli’s maiden international half-century guided Afghanistan to 153 for 6, and their bowlers then backed up the total with clinical performances to restrict Zimbabwe to just 103.

Rasooli’s Maiden Half-Century Steers Afghanistan

After losing the first T20I in a thrilling last-ball finish, Afghanistan made sure there was no drama in the second match, with a commanding 50-run win that left Zimbabwe with little chance. Rasooli was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 58 runs, while Azmatullah Omarzai provided support with a well-made 28. The Zimbabwean bowlers, however, fought hard, with Ryan Burl taking 2 wickets for 16 runs, and Trevor Gwandu finishing with 2 for 29.

Afghanistan Struggles Early, Rasooli Rescues Them

Afghanistan’s innings got off to a rocky start, with their top order struggling in the powerplay. They lost three quick wickets in nine balls to find themselves at 41 for 3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed early, followed by Zubaid Akbari’s run out and Sediqullah Atal’s dismissal at cover point. But Rasooli, joined by Omarzai, steadied the ship, and the pair added crucial runs. A late surge from Rasooli, who hit three consecutive fours in the penultimate over, lifted Afghanistan to a respectable total.

Zimbabwe’s Chase Falls Apart Against Afghanistan’s Bowlers

Zimbabwe’s chase started poorly as they lost key wickets early. Naveen-ul-Haq and Omarzai struck in the powerplay, reducing Zimbabwe to 18 for 2. Mujeeb Ur Rahman then took two wickets in quick succession, including the key scalp of Craig Ervine. Rashid Khan joined in with a wicket and at 57 for 5, Zimbabwe were in dire straits. Despite a brief counterattack from Tashinga Musekiwa, who launched a couple of boundaries off Mujeeb, Afghanistan’s bowlers closed the game out. Rashid picked up two wickets in an over, and Naveen finished with three wickets, as Zimbabwe were all out for 103.

Series Tied with One Match Left

This victory draws the series level at 1-1 with one match remaining, setting the stage for an exciting decider.