Noor Ahmad claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 internationals as Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the third and final match to complete a 3-0 series sweep in Sharjah on Sunday.

The left-arm spinner produced a career-best performance of 5 for 13 in 3.3 overs, helping bowl Zimbabwe out for just 79 in 14.3 overs.

Afghanistan then chased down the modest target of 80 in just 8.1 overs, losing three wickets to secure a dominant victory.

The result marked Afghanistan’s 22nd win in their 24 T20I matches against Zimababwe and their second-biggest victory in the format in terms of balls remaining.

Afghanistan’s fast bowlers made an immediate impact on the Sharjah surface, which offered movement for the new ball.

Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed Innocent Kaia in the opening over, while Azmatullah Omarzai, who was named Player of the Series, removed Brian Bennett in the second over to leave Zimbabwe struggling at 8 for 2.

Debutant Abdullah Tarakhail then claimed his maiden international wicket, dismissing Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza to further deepen the visitors’ troubles.

Ryan Burl offered some resistance, scoring 30 off 29 deliveries, including several boundaries. However, his dismissal by Abdollah Ahmadzai left Zimbabwe with little hope of recovering.

Noor Ahmad took control of the innings in the 11th over, claiming three wickets in four deliveries to dismantle Zimbabwe’s lower order.

He first dismissed Wessly Madhevere through a stumping before Tafadzwa Tsiga was caught in the slips. Tadiwanashe Marumani then fell to a brilliant diving catch by Omarzai at long-off, narrowly missing out on a hat-trick.

Noor went on to claim two more wickets in his next two overs, finishing with figures of 5 for 13 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 79.

It was his best performance in T20 internationals, surpassing his previous best figures of 4 for 10, which he had also recorded against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2022.

In reply, Afghanistan lost Mohammad Akram early after he scored a quick 12, but the early breakthrough did little to slow the hosts.

Sediqullah Atal played an aggressive innings, striking several boundaries to put Afghanistan firmly in control of the chase.

Omarzai and captain Ibrahim Zadran continued the attack, with Zadran hitting four boundaries off Ernest Masuku before Omarzai sealed the victory with a powerful six.

Afghanistan reached 80 for 3 in just 8.1 overs to complete a convincing seven-wicket victory and secure a 3-0 whitewash in the T20I series.

The series triumph further underlined Afghanistan’s strong form in the shortest format ahead of their upcoming international assignments.

Afghanistan will look to complete a clean sweep of their three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe when the teams meet in the third and final match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday, November 1.

The AfghanAtalan have already secured the series with two consecutive victories, winning the opening match by 37 runs on October 27 before following up with a 19-run triumph in the second encounter on October 29.

Afghanistan will now be aiming for a third successive victory to finish the series on a high, while Zimbabwe will be hoping to avoid a whitewash and claim a consolation win.

The opening match saw Afghanistan post 177 all out, with Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai leading the batting effort with 52 runs from 22 deliveries. Rashid Khan contributed a quick-fire 30 off 10 balls before Afghanistan’s bowlers restricted Zimbabwe to 140.

The second encounter produced a remarkable batting display from Afghanistan after the team found itself in serious trouble at 5/4 early in its innings.

Azmatullah Omarzai and Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai rescued the innings with a spectacular 142-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Omarzai smashed 116 off just 50 deliveries, including 12 sixes and five boundaries, while Ijaz added 52 off 27 balls.

Rashid Khan provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 25 from just six deliveries as Afghanistan posted an imposing 221/7.

Zimbabwe responded strongly, with captain Sikandar Raza producing an outstanding unbeaten 106 off 56 balls. However, his effort was not enough to prevent Afghanistan from securing a 19-run victory, with Zimbabwe finishing on 202/5.

Omarzai was named Player of the Match for his explosive innings and contribution with the ball.

The second match also saw Rashid Khan reach a historic milestone, becoming the first bowler to claim 200 wickets in men’s T20 International cricket.

For Afghanistan, the final match offers another opportunity to build momentum ahead of the two-Test series against Zimbabwe, which begins in Sharjah on November 5.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will be looking for a stronger all-round performance after showing glimpses of its batting potential, particularly through Raza’s century in the second match.

The third T20I gets underway at 6:30 p.m. local time at Sharjah Cricket Stadium and is being broadcast live on Ariana Television.

Afghanistan won the 2026 Hong Kong International Sixes title after defeating Australia by four wickets in the final on Sunday.

Batting first after winning the toss, Australia scored 115 runs in their six overs, with Max Bryant leading the innings with 44 runs.

Afghanistan chased down the target in 5.1 overs, finishing the match with five balls to spare. Imran Mir starred with the bat, scoring 53 off just 14 deliveries, including seven sixes, while Farmanullah contributed 26 runs.

Twelve teams competed in the tournament. Afghanistan reached the final after securing victories over South Africa, Oman and Scotland before overcoming Australia in the title decider to lift the trophy.