Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan:
Tashinga Musekiwa delivered a stellar performance under pressure on Wednesday, guiding Zimbabwe to a thrilling victory in the first T20 international of a three-match series against Afghanistan. With Zimbabwe needing 11 runs off the final over, Musekiwa stepped up to the challenge, showcasing nerves of steel and remarkable composure.
The dramatic over began with Musekiwa smashing 10 runs off the first five balls, including a crucial boundary that brought the scores level. With the game hanging in the balance, the tension reached its peak as Azmatullah Omarzai prepared to deliver the final ball. Musekiwa, unfazed by the pressure, calmly struck the winning run to secure Zimbabwe’s second-ever T20 victory over Afghanistan.
The victory was a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, not only for its rarity but also for the sheer excitement it brought to the series opener. Musekiwa’s heroics underscored his value as a dependable finisher and provided a moment of celebration for Zimbabwean cricket fans worldwide.
Batting at No. 7, Tashinga Musekiwa played a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s nail-biting four-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the opening T20 international at Harare Sports Club. Musekiwa’s unbeaten 16 ensured that Zimbabwe reached 145-6 in 20 overs, edging past Afghanistan’s competitive 144-6. This victory marked Zimbabwe’s second-ever T20 win against Afghanistan, with their previous triumph occurring five years ago in Chittagong, Bangladesh.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams. Afghanistan, having won the toss, struggled initially as Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling reduced them to 58-5. However, a brilliant sixth-wicket stand between Karim Janat and Mohammad Nabi turned the tide. Janat’s unbeaten 54—his fourth T20 half-century—and Nabi’s solid 44 lifted Afghanistan to a respectable total. Their partnership of 79 runs not only steadied the innings but also put Zimbabwe under pressure heading into the chase.
Zimbabwe’s reply started with promise, thanks to a composed 75-run second-wicket stand between opener Brian Bennett and Dion Myers. Bennett, who top-scored with 49, displayed a mature and calculated approach, combining aggressive stroke play with sensible running between the wickets. Myers chipped in with a valuable 32, and the duo kept Zimbabwe on track by maintaining the required run rate.
However, the game took a dramatic turn when Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan intervened with a brilliant 17th over. Khan dismissed both Bennett and Ryan Burl within four deliveries, swinging the momentum in favor of the visitors. Adding to Zimbabwe’s woes, captain Sikandar Raza fell cheaply for just nine, leaving the chase delicately poised.
Enter Tashinga Musekiwa, whose calmness under pressure became the defining moment of the match. With 11 runs needed off the final over, Musekiwa held his nerve against Azmatullah Omarzai. He smashed 10 runs off the first five balls, including a crucial boundary, leveling the scores and setting up a dramatic finish. Off the final ball, Musekiwa coolly ran a single to seal the victory, sparking celebrations among the home crowd.
Reflecting on the match, Bennett, who was named Player of the Match, praised Musekiwa’s contributions, saying, “It is always nice to contribute to a win. Credit to Musekiwa at the end. It was nice to bat with Dion [Myers]. We were thinking if we could keep up with the run rate, we had a good chance of success.”
Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, expressing disappointment with both their batting and bowling performances. “We wanted to get a good total on the board, but finished about 20 runs short of where we would have liked to be. We gave away so many wickets early on, and in Twenty20 matches, it is difficult to fight back. We could also have bowled better,” Khan admitted.
The victory not only gave Zimbabwe a winning start to the eight-match all-format tour but also showcased the team’s resilience and determination. It sets the stage for an exciting series, with Zimbabwe eager to build on their momentum and Afghanistan looking to bounce back from the narrow defeat.