Noor Ahmad’s maiden five-wicket haul seals Afghanistan’s 3-0 series sweep over Zimbabwe

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.