Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 3rd T20I: Noor Ahmad Bags Historic 5-Fer

Noor Ahmad claims his maiden five-wicket haul as Afghanistan completes a dominant 3-0 T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe with a seven-wicket victory.

News Source: https://www.cricinfo.com/

In the third and final T20I at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by a commanding seven wickets thanks to an unprecedented five-wicket haul from spinner Noor Ahmad. The decisive victory, which was finished with 71 balls left, gave the Afghan team a commanding 3-0 series sweep. Additionally, it was Afghanistan's 22nd triumph in their previous 24 T20I matches.

Afghanistan's skipper, Ibrahim Zadran, chose to field first in order to test his team's chasing prowess and watched as his bowlers destroyed Zimbabwe's batting lineup. In the opening over, returning paceman Fazalhaq Farooqi struck, giving Innocent Kaia an advantage. Zimbabwe was left spinning at 8 for 2 after Player of the Series Azmatullah Omarzai dismissed Brian Bennett in the second over. With just his second international delivery, rookie Abdullah Tarakhail joined the group and dismissed Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza.

Zimbabwe's only resistance came from Ryan Burl, who successfully counterattacked on the powerplay to reduce his team to 37 for 3. In a tough match that included a heated dispute with Rashid Khan, Burl hit 30 off 29 deliveries. After an LBW shout was denied, on-field umpires Ahmad Shah Pakteen and Farooq Khan had to separate the two players twice. In the end, Abdollah Ahmadzai made the contentious decision to dismiss Burl LBW without DRS support. After Burl left, Noor Ahmad tore right through the tail.

Using his variations to trick Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga, and Tadiwanashe Marumani, the spinner claimed three wickets in four balls in the eleventh over. Zimbabwe fell to 79 all out, their second-lowest total in the format, while Noor finished with career-best T20I statistics of 5 for 13 in 3.3 overs.

Chasing a paltry target of 80, Afghanistan’s batsmen played with aggressive freedom. Before being caught at mid-off, stand-in opener Mohammad Akram hit three boundaries in the opening over. Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal maintained the momentum, leading the squad to 54 for 3 by the end of the powerplay. In the ninth over, Omarzai hit a huge six against Vincent Masekesa to end the match in style. Afghanistan concluded a perfect series performance by reaching 81 for 3 in just 49 balls, their second-largest T20I victory in terms of balls remaining.

FAQs:

Q: What was the result of the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 3rd T20I?

A: Afghanistan won by 7 wickets with 71 balls remaining to complete a 3-0 series sweep over Zimbabwe.

Q: Which Afghanistan bowler won player of the match?

A: Noor Ahmad won the award after taking a career-best 5 for 13 against Zimbabwe.

Q: What were the final scores for Afghanistan and Zimbabwe?

A: Zimbabwe scored 79 all out in 14.3 overs, and Afghanistan chased it down with 81 for 3 in 8.1 overs.

Q: Which Zimbabwe batsman top-scored against Afghanistan?

A: Ryan Burl provided the only real resistance for Zimbabwe, scoring 30 runs off 29 balls.

Q: Why did Afghanistan's Rashid Khan and Zimbabwe's Ryan Burl clash on the field?

A: The two had a heated exchange that required umpire intervention after an LBW appeal against Zimbabwe was turned down.