Afghanistan target T20I clean sweep against Zimbabwe in Sharjah

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.