Rasooli's Maiden Half-Century Powers Afghanistan to Series-Leveling Victory
Darwish Rasooli’s maiden international half-century proved decisive as Afghanistan secured a 50-run win over Zimbabwe in the second T20I in Harare, leveling the series 1-1. Afghanistan posted a competitive 153 for 6, thanks to Rasooli’s composed 58, before their bowlers dismantled Zimbabwe for 103, sealing the victory with 14 balls to spare.
Afghanistan’s Innings: Rasooli Steadies After Early Wobbles
Afghanistan’s top order faltered again, finishing the powerplay at 41 for 3. Early dismissals included Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Zubaid Akbari, and Sediqullah Atal, with Zimbabwe’s Trevor Gwandu making an immediate impact. Despite the early setbacks, Rasooli anchored the innings with a mixture of patience and aggression.
Azmatullah Omarzai contributed a steady 28, while late fireworks from Rasooli pushed Afghanistan’s total. His onslaught in the penultimate over, including three consecutive boundaries off Richard Ngarava, brought up his maiden T20I fifty. Although Gwandu bowled a tight final over, restricting Afghanistan to 153, it proved more than enough.
Zimbabwe’s Reply: Bowlers Dominate
Zimbabwe’s chase never gathered momentum. Naveen-ul-Haq struck early, removing Tadiwanashe Marumani with a short ball, and Azmatullah Omarzai dismissed Dion Myers soon after. Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s reintroduction after the powerplay turned the tide, as he picked up two crucial wickets, including the dangerous Brian Bennett, whose off bail was clipped by a turning delivery.
Rashid Khan further tightened Afghanistan’s grip with two quick strikes, trapping Ryan Burl and dismantling Zimbabwe’s middle order. Naveen and Rashid wrapped up the innings with three wickets each, while Fareed Malik castled Blessing Muzarabani to end the game.
The Road Ahead
This convincing performance not only showcased Afghanistan’s resilience after losing a last-ball thriller in the first match but also sets up a thrilling series decider. With Rasooli finding form and the bowling unit firing on all cylinders, Afghanistan will head into the final T20I with momentum firmly on their side.
