Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I Highlights from Harare

That is all from this game. Hope you enjoyed the coverage. Not much is left for the home team to chase but they'll hope to end the home series on a high note. Do join us for the third and final match on the 2nd of November at 11.30 am GMT. Do join us earlier for the build up. Till then, cheers!

Rashid Khan WINS THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH AWARD but dedicates it to Abdullah Ahmadzai for his amazing performance. He says Abdullah Ahmadzai has a bright future with the team but they need to give him more time. Tells they try to make the youngsters comfortable in the international circuit. Mentions the ball wasn't coming onto the bat nicely and appreciates his bowlers' effort to keep Zimbabwe well under par score of 145. Reckons they'll learn from this game and this series, losses keep coming but they need to keep improving with the World Cup next year. Adds that his finger is still bleeding and will see the status after having an X-ray.

Sikandar Raza, the skipper of Zimbabwe, says they are coming off some decent performances but he admits this is not a good performance from this team. Tells he will have a look at his performance before challenging the other batters. Shares it was a 145-150 pitch, it was on the slower side and hence they decided to bat first. Reckons he asked his team to put in the effort during the chase, they were hungry and showed a lot of energy. Admits that they need to play aggressively and shouldn't second guess their abilities. 

...Presentation...

Afghanistan skipped a beat when Rashid Khan suffered a wrist injury but the magician returned with a fine spell and scalped three wickets in the fag end of the innings. However, initially, the likes of Abdullah Ahmadzai and Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowled really well to build the important pressure. All in all, a complete performance from Afghanistan and they deservingly take an unassailable lead of 2-0 in this series.

However, the job was done by the Afghan bowlers, who made the Zimbabwean dance to their song, once again. They did it in the first T20I and repeated a similar performance today as well. The Afghanistan bowlers restricted Zimbabwe to a mere 125 which is well short on a pitch that was asking more. Zimbabwe batters struggled to get going and looked helpless against the Afghan bowlers. 

Not a straightforward chase but Afghanistan get over the victory line and with that seal the series. Ibrahim Zadran played the anchor role throughout the chase, he started well on an aggressive route but went into a shell as Afghanistan lost a couple of wickets. However, with no pressure of the scoreboard, he took his time, settled in and took his team over the line with the help of some quick hitting from Azmatullah Omarzai.

17.6: Richard Ngarava to Azmatullah Omarzai, FOUR! Omarzai finishes off in style. Pitches it up, around off, Omarzai makes room and lofts it to long off for a boundary. Afghanistan win by 7 wickets and seal the series.

17.5: Richard Ngarava to Azmatullah Omarzai, FOUR! Scores are leveled! Pushes it full and outside off, Omarzai slams it over point, in the gap and it races away into the fence.

17.4: Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Shorter and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran dabs it to short third man. A misfield allows a single. 

17.3: Richard Ngarava to Azmatullah Omarzai, A slower length delivery, around off, Omarzai hits it past point for a single.

17.2: Richard Ngarava to Azmatullah Omarzai, FOUR! Afghanistan are in a hurry now! Back of a length and around off, Omarzai makes a bit of room and slaps it past extra cover for a boundary. 

17.1: Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls with width outside off, Ibrahim Zadran hammers it to deep cover for a single.

16.6: Tinotenda Maposa to Azmatullah Omarzai, FOUR! 12 runs needed now! Serves it short and around off, Omarzai pulls it well in the gap, past mid-wicket for a boundary. 

16.5: Tinotenda Maposa to Ibrahim Zadran, Keeps it short and bowls on middle, Ibrahim Zadran helps it behind square on the leg side for one.

16.4: Tinotenda Maposa to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Well played! Short in length and on middle and leg, Ibrahim Zadran pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary.

16.3: Tinotenda Maposa to Ibrahim Zadran, Fifty for Ibrahim Zadran! Short of a length and outside off. Ibrahim Zadran pulls it to deep mid-wicket, aerially and in the gap for a couple of runs. Not his best fifty but Ibrahim Zadran will take it.

16.2: Tinotenda Maposa to Ibrahim Zadran, Hard length delivery, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran looks to punch but mistimes it to cover.

16.1: Tinotenda Maposa to Azmatullah Omarzai, Tinotenda Maposa bowls a bit short and into the surface. Omarzai rides the short ball but edges it to third man for a single.

15.6: Richard Ngarava to Azmatullah Omarzai, Too short and close to the body. Omarzai pulls with solid hands to square leg for a single.

15.5: Richard Ngarava to Azmatullah Omarzai, Bangs it short and outside off, Omarzai looks to pull but misses it.

15.4: Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Pushes it very full and wide of off. Ibrahim Zadran makes room and throws his bat at it, falls over as he hits it to third man for one.

15.3: Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Short in length and slanting around off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to cover.

15.2: Richard Ngarava to Azmatullah Omarzai, Bowls with width again. Omarzai looks to cut but toe ends his shot to third man for a single.

15.1: Richard Ngarava to Azmatullah Omarzai, FOUR! Omarzai brings some aggression. Shorter and outside off, Omarzai frees his arms and hits it through covers for a boundary.

14.6: Brad Evans to Azmatullah Omarzai, Length ball, outside off, Omarzai strokes it to cover for a single. He is off the mark.

14.5: Brad Evans to Azmatullah Omarzai, Well bowled! Short in length and around off, steep bounce and close to the batter. Omarzai gets tall and lets it go.

14.4: Brad Evans to Azmatullah Omarzai, Touch fuller and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai blocks it out.

Azmatullah Omarzai walks in.

14.3: Brad Evans to Darwish Rasooli, OUT! TAKEN! Darwish Rasooli's struggle comes to an end. Bangs it short and around off, Darwish Rasooli ramps it and Zimbabwe place a fielder for that shot, fine at third man. The ball lobs to Tinotenda Maposa who takes a simple catch. Zimbabwe not giving up easily.

14.2: Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, Length and on middle, turned to square leg for a single.

14.1: Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Timing! This will boost Zadran's confidence! Short of a length and outside off, Zadran punches off the back foot through covers and it rolls to the fence.

Brad Evans is back into the attack.

13.6: Ryan Burl to Ibrahim Zadran, Flights it too full and outside off, Zadran drives it to deep point for a single.

13.5: Ryan Burl to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up, outside off, punched to cover.

13.4: Ryan Burl to Ibrahim Zadran, Too short and down leg. Ibrahim Zadran pulls it to deep mid-wicket, a bit wide of the man there for a couple of runs.

13.3: Ryan Burl to Darwish Rasooli, Spinning onto the leg side, Darwish Rasooli punches it to long on for a single.

13.2: Ryan Burl to Darwish Rasooli, FOUR! Has to be the first boundary after Sediqullah Atal's wicket. Drops it short and outside off, this is pulled to deep mid-wicket for four runs.

13.1: Ryan Burl to Ibrahim Zadran, A rank long hop, bowls on leg, Zadran pulls it to deep square leg for a singl.

Ryan Burl to bowl now.

12.6: Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Shorter and outside off, cut to sweeper cover for a single. Sikandar Raza is done with the ball. 

12.5: Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Zadran tries to dab it away but the length is a bit too full to play the shot, ends up keeping it out on the off side.

12.4: Sikandar Raza to Darwish Rasooli, Tossed up fuller and on middle, Darwish Rasooli flicks it to square leg for one more.

12.3: Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller delivery, around off, Ibrahim Zadran nudges it to deep square leg for a single.

12.2: Sikandar Raza to Darwish Rasooli, Very full and on middle and leg. Darwish Rasooli drills it to long on for a single.

12.1: Sikandar Raza to Darwish Rasooli, Quicker and fuller on the pads. Darwish Rasooli whips it but miscues his shot to mid-wicket.

DRINKS! Wellington Masakadza and Sikandar Raza bowling in tandem, have put some pressure on Afghanistan who are in a shell and struggling to find runs. Zimbabwe have done a good job so far but they need wickets to stay in the game. While Afghanistan need a couple of good overs to release the pressure.

11.6: Wellington Masakadza to Darwish Rasooli, Flighted full and around off, Darwish Rasooli lofts it down the ground to long off for a single.

11.5: Wellington Masakadza to Darwish Rasooli, Shorter and outside off, Darwish Rasooli slaps it to cover for a single. A wayward throw from the fielder sees it roll past the keeper for another run.

11.4: Wellington Masakadza to Darwish Rasooli, Darts it full and angling on the pads. Darwish Rasooli fails to flick and it rolls off the pads on the leg side.

11.3: Wellington Masakadza to Ibrahim Zadran, Pushes it full and around off, driven to long off for a single.

11.2: Wellington Masakadza to Ibrahim Zadran, Floats it full and around off, Zadran defends it to mid off. Ibrahim Zadran is struggling to find runs.

11.1: Wellington Masakadza to Darwish Rasooli, Quick and flat around off, slapped to sweeper cover for a single.

10.6: Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Pushes it full and on middle, Zadran bunts it with soft hands to square leg for a couple of runs. Good running. 

10.5: Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Another dot! Slightly short and outside off, Zadran cuts well but straight to point.

10.4: Sikandar Raza to Darwish Rasooli, This is full and on middle, clipped to the right of mid-wicket for a single.

10.3: Sikandar Raza to Darwish Rasooli, Flat and attacking the stumps, on middle, Darwish Rasooli goes back and nudges it to mid-wicket.

10.2: Sikandar Raza to Darwish Rasooli, Tossed up, around off, Darwish Rasooli punches it to the left of short mid-wicket. 

10.1: Sikandar Raza to Darwish Rasooli, Sikandar Raza bowls it flat and wide of off. Darwish Rasooli das it wide of short third man for a couple of runs.

9.6: Wellington Masakadza to Ibrahim Zadran, Too full and on middle, played back to the bowler. 

9.5: Wellington Masakadza to Ibrahim Zadran, Flighted full and on middle, flicked to mid-wicket.

9.4: Wellington Masakadza to Darwish Rasooli, Slightly short and outside off, Darwish Rasooli cuts it to deep cover for a single.

9.3: Wellington Masakadza to Ibrahim Zadran, Goes very full and on middle, Zadran tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

9.2: Wellington Masakadza to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up, around off, Zadran punches it to mid off.

9.1: Wellington Masakadza to Ibrahim Zadran, Flatter and around off, Zadran flicks it to mid-wicket.

8.6: Sikandar Raza to Darwish Rasooli, Goes full and around off, spinning in. Darwish Rasooli keeps it out on the leg side.

8.5: Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Slightly short, outside off, Zadran strokes it to deep cover for a single.

8.4: Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Another dot! Sikandar Raza keeps attacking the stumps, turning in, Zadran plays with the turn to mid on.

8.3: Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Flat and turning in sharpy on middle, punched to cover.

8.2: Sikandar Raza to Darwish Rasooli, The one that spins away, around off, Darwish Rasooli knocks it to long off for a single.

8.1: Sikandar Raza to Darwish Rasooli, Drops it full and on middle, skids on. Darwish Rasooli nudges it to mid-wicket.

7.6: Wellington Masakadza to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up on middle, Zadran leans and nudges it to mid-wicket.

7.5: Wellington Masakadza to Ibrahim Zadran, Attacks the stumps with a fuller delivery. Zadran blocks it out.

7.4: Wellington Masakadza to Darwish Rasooli, This is full and just outside off, Darwish Rasooli drives it to deep cover and gets off the mark.

7.3: Wellington Masakadza to Darwish Rasooli, Tossed up on middle, Darwish Rasooli turns it to mid-wicket.

Darwish Rasooli is the new man in.

7.2: Wellington Masakadza to Sediqullah Atal, OUT! TAKEN! Wellington Masakadza strikes! Nicely bowled! Floats it on the fuller side, in the slot and Sediqullah Atal tries to launch it over long off but fails to power. Ryan Burl at long off runs in and takes a simple catch.

7.1: Wellington Masakadza to Ibrahim Zadran, Flatter delivery, outside off, Zadran punches it to long off for a single.

6.6: Sikandar Raza to Sediqullah Atal, TWO BYES! Sikandar Raza bowls it quick and outside off. Sediqullah Atal looks to cut but misses and it rolls past the keeper's mitts for a couple of byes.

6.5: Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Fuller delivery on middle, Zadran plays it to long on for a single.

6.4: Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up, around off, stays low and skids a bit, Zadran plays it back to Raza.

6.3: Sikandar Raza to Sediqullah Atal, Too full and around off, drilled down to long on for a single.

6.2: Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Flat and spinning in around off, punched to long off for a single.

6.1: Sikandar Raza to Sediqullah Atal, Tossed up, around off, Sediqullah Atal plays it to long on for a single.

Sikandar Raza is into the attack.

5.6: Tinotenda Maposa to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Yet again punished! Tinotenda Maposa bowls with some width and on the fuller side. Zadran drives it square on the off side for a boundary. 13 runs off the over. Afghanistan end the Powerplay on a high. 

5.5: Tinotenda Maposa to Ibrahim Zadran, Corrects the line and bowls it on middle, Zadran defends it on the deck.

5.4: Tinotenda Maposa to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Nothing delivery! A juicy full toss, well outside off. Zadran slams it through point, past the fielder for another boundary. 50 up for the visitors.

5.3: Tinotenda Maposa to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Aggression from Zadran! Makes room, sees a length delivery and Zadran smashes it down the ground for a boundary.

5.2: Tinotenda Maposa to Sediqullah Atal, Leg bye! Pushes it full and angles it on the pads. Sediqullah Atal looks to clip but misses. A huge appeal for LBW but it was going down. A leg bye.

5.1: Tinotenda Maposa to Ibrahim Zadran, Tinotenda Maposa bowls a fuller delivery on the pads. Zadran clips it to square leg for a single.

4.6: Brad Evans to Sediqullah Atal, Around the fifth stump line, on a length. Atal blocks it out.

4.5: Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, A bumper around the hips. Zadran helps it to fine leg for a single.

4.4: Brad Evans to Sediqullah Atal, Bowls it short and on middle, hurries a bit as Atal pulls it to deep square leg. One.

4.3: Brad Evans to Sediqullah Atal, Good length delivery, just outside off, Sediqullah Atal punches it to cover.

4.2: Brad Evans to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! Quality shot from Atal! Evans pitches it up, outside off and angles it away. Atal leans into his drive and hits it through covers for a boundary.

4.1: Brad Evans to Sediqullah Atal, Spills it full and close to the off pole. Atal plays it back to the bowler.

3.6: Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Good shot! Richard Ngarava bumps it around off, Zadran pulls it along the ground and past mid-wicket for a boundary.

3.5: Richard Ngarava to Sediqullah Atal, Sharp run! Angling on middle and leg, Atal tickles it straight to short fine leg and calls for a single. The fielder picks up and hits at the batter's end but Zadran was well in.

3.4: Richard Ngarava to Sediqullah Atal, Richard Ngarava bowls with a lot of width and gets it to shape away. Atal looks to push but withdraws his bat eventually. 

3.3: Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Overpitched and outside off, driven to cover for a single.

3.2: Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Risky but unlike Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran clears the infield. Short of a length and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran makes room and flat bats it over mid off. The fielder runs behind and chases but the ball wins the race. Brad Evans was the fielder. The physio is out but Evans wants a minute to catch his breath back. 

3.1: Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Touch fuller and around off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to cover.

Sediqullah Atal walks in next.

2.6: Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUT! TAKEN! Excellent stuff from Evans. Despite going for runs, he sticks to the shorter side, bowls a bit further and around off. Gurbaz swings across the line and cue ends it to mid on. Tinotenda Maposa takes a simple catch at mid on.

2.5: Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Goes a bit further, bowls around off, Gurbaz watchfully defends it out.

2.4: Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Nails the shot this time. Brad Evans keeps hitting the deck hard, bowls short and on middle, Gurbaz pulls it over mid-wicket, high and into the fence.

2.4: Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Wide! Unvariable bounce, goes over the batter as Gurbaz lets it go.

2.3: Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, Brad Evans keeps it short and bowls on middle, pulled to deep square leg for a single.

2.2: Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Touch short and close to the body. Gurbaz pulls but gets a thick top edge behind square leg for a single.

2.1: Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, Short in length and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran strokes it to cover for a single.

2.1: Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, Wide! Brad Evans begins with a fuller delivery down leg, Ibrahim Zadran looks to clip but misses.

1.6: Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pushes it full and around off, Gurbaz solidly defends it out.

1.5: Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Into the surface, close to the off pole. Ibrahim Zadran punches it to cover for a single.

1.4: Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Short in length and angles it across, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to push but misses it.

1.3: Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gurbaz takes a couple of steps forward as he dabs it to third man for a single.

1.2: Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A good length delivery on top of off. Gurbaz hangs back to defend.

1.1: Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls the hard length delivery, outside off. Ibrahim Zadran nicely punches it to cover for a quick single.

Richard Ngarava to share the attack.

0.6: Wellington Masakadza to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! 12 off the first over! Fractionally short and on middle, Gurbaz goes back and pulls it to mid-wicket for a boundary.

0.5: Wellington Masakadza to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls a straighter line and attacking the stumps, blocked out.

0.4: Wellington Masakadza to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, SIX! Off the mark in style! Quicker and follows Gurbaz on the leg side as he makes room, Gurbaz gets low and hammers it over mid-wicket for a six.

0.3: Wellington Masakadza to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans and clips it to square leg.

0.2: Wellington Masakadza to Ibrahim Zadran, Pushes it full and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it to long off for a single.

0.1: Wellington Masakadza to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Leg bye! Starts with a length ball angling on the pads. Rahmanullah Gurbaz fails to flick and it rolls off the pads to square leg for a leg bye. Afghanistan are underway.

Back for the chase. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran to open for Afghanistan. Wellington Masakadza to bowl first. 

...THE CHASE...

Afghanistan are on the cusp of sealing the series, thanks to an outstanding performance from their bowling unit. Despite fielding an inexperienced pace attack, Fareed Ahmad and Abdullah Ahmadzai bowled exceptionally well, applying pressure on the home team. Although Rashid Khan suffered a wrist injury, which left Afghanistan a bowler short, the other bowlers stepped up to fill the gap. Remarkably, Rashid Khan returned to bowl two overs in the final stages and picked up three wickets. The bowling unit has done the job. We saw the Afghan batters deliver in the first game. Can they chase down this under-par score and seal the series? 

Zimbabwe's batting struggles persisted in the second T20I, as they managed a modest 125 runs, eerily similar to their 127 in the first match. Despite opting to bat first on a surface that favored the batters, the home team failed to capitalize, succumbing to poor shot selection and losing three wickets within the Powerplay. All eyes were on Sikandar Raza to bail his team out but he struggled to find his rhythm, and although there were some cameos from the middle order, none were substantial enough to make a significant impact.

19.3: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Wellington Masakadza, OUT! TIMBER! Abdullah Ahmadzai dishes out a yorker, shaping on off from around the wicket. Wellington Masakadza fails to dig it out cleanly and it crashes the stumps. Zimbabwe are bundled out for 125.

19.2: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Wellington Masakadza, Nabi saves two crucial runs! Shorter and on off, Wellington Masakadza pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Mohammad Nabi slides to his left and gets a hand on it. Gets in contact with the ropes as the ball rolls back but the replay shows he somehow invaded it. Excellent job. Two runs saved.

19.1: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Richard Ngarava, Bowls it full and around off, Richard Ngarava digs it out back on the deck and runs across. Abdullah Ahmadzai runs across and underarms but fails to hit the target from yards away.

18.6: Rashid Khan to Richard Ngarava, Very full and angling on leg, Richard Ngarava clips it to long on for a single.

Richard Ngarava is the last man in.

18.5: Rashid Khan to Brad Evans, OUT! LBW! Rashid Khan strikes again! Floats it with a bit of air, bowls from well behind the stumps and it comes late to Evans, who shapes for the sweep but misses and gets hit plumb in front of the stumps. An appeal for LBW and up goes the finger.

18.4: Rashid Khan to Brad Evans, Quicker, shorter and around off, Brad Evans looks to pull but misses it.

18.3: Rashid Khan to Wellington Masakadza, A wrong 'un, angled across, outside off. Wellington Masakadza heaves it to deep mid-wicket for one.

18.2: Rashid Khan to Brad Evans, Slightly short and on off, pulled to deep square leg for a single.

18.1: Rashid Khan to Wellington Masakadza, Flights it full and outside off, Wellington Masakadza drives it to long off for a single.

17.6: Fareed Ahmad to Brad Evans, FOUR! Helped away! Short in length and on middle and leg. Brad Evans pulls it fine to the fine leg fence. A wicket but 12 runs off the over.

17.5: Fareed Ahmad to Brad Evans, Bowls it full and shaping on middle, Brad Evans nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

17.4: Fareed Ahmad to Brad Evans, FOUR! Well played! Short in length and around off, it comes in. Brad Evans opens the face of the bat in the last moment and rides it past the keeper to third man for four. 

17.3: Fareed Ahmad to Wellington Masakadza, This is full and on middle, Wellington Masakadza eases it to long on for a single.

Wellington Masakadza comes in next.

17.2: Fareed Ahmad to Brad Evans, OUT! RUN OUT! Sediqullah Atal hits the target! Touch fuller and outside off, Brad Evans punches it to point, to the right of Sediqullah Atal who picks up and hits at the keeper's end. Tinotenda Maposa is well short. Was always a risky run. 

17.1: Fareed Ahmad to Tinotenda Maposa, Leg bye! A hard length delivery around off, Maposa is cramped behind as he looks to clip. A huge appeal for LBW but clearly pitching outside the line.

16.6: Rashid Khan to Tinotenda Maposa, A single to end the over as Maposa flicks it to deep mid-wicket. Two runs and two wickets off the over.

16.5: Rashid Khan to Tinotenda Maposa, Flat and quick, around leg, Tinotenda Maposa looks to flick but misses and it rolls past the stumps.

16.4: Rashid Khan to Tashinga Musekiwa, OUT! TAKEN! One brings two! Rashid Khan is on a roll! Flights it into the slot and tempts Musekiwa to go big, it was the googly. Musekiwa tries to go big but plays off the inner half to long on where Mohammad Nabi runs back and takes over his head. A solid catch from Nabi.

16.3: Rashid Khan to Tashinga Musekiwa, A googly, flat and on middle, Musekiwa turns it to square leg.

16.2: Rashid Khan to Brad Evans, A full toss, around off, Brad Evans drills it to long on for a single.

Brad Evans comes to the middle.

16.1: Rashid Khan to Sikandar Raza, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Into the attack and strikes straightaway. That's how the captain makes an impact. Floated full and around off, Sikandar Raza tries to play with a straight bat, hits it down straight back to Rashid Khan who bends low and takes a sharp catch. 

Good news for Afghanistan as Rashid Khan is back into the attack.

15.6: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sikandar Raza, Tossed up on middle, Sikandar Raza tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

15.5: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tashinga Musekiwa, Shorter and outside off, Musekiwa slaps it to point. The fielder dives to his right and throws at the bowler's end. Musekiwa was short but the throw was wide.

15.4: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tashinga Musekiwa, FOUR! 100 up for Zimbabwe! Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowls it tad short around off and spinning in. Musekiwa goes back and punches it to long on for a boundary.

15.3: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sikandar Raza, Tossed up, outside off, Sikandar Raza plays it to long off for a single.

15.2: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Tashinga Musekiwa, Flatter delivery, outside off. Musekiwa strokes it to deep cover for a single.

15.1: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sikandar Raza, Slightly short and outside off, Sikandar Raza cuts it to deep cover for a single.

14.6: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Sikandar Raza, A well-directed bouncer on middle, Sikandar Raza pulls, it goes off the top edge to deep square leg where the fielder runs in and picks on a bounce. 

14.5: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Sikandar Raza, A slower bumper, into the surface. Sikandar Raza pulls it to deep square leg for a couple more.

14.4: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Tashinga Musekiwa, Bangs it short and on middle, Musekiwa pulls it to deep square leg who pics up on a bounce.

14.3: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Sikandar Raza, Very full and outside off, Sikandar Raza digs it out to point for a single.

14.2: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Tashinga Musekiwa, FIVE RUNS! Overthrows! Drama! Too full and outside off, Musekiwa hits it down to mid off. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. The batters sneak in a run but the ball travels past the stumps, past the diving keeper and even the diving back up fielder. It races to the fence. 

14.1: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Tashinga Musekiwa, Abdullah Ahmadzai serves it in the channel, outside off. Musekiwa slashes his blade and misses.

13.6: Mohammad Nabi to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Sikandar Raza continues to put pressure! Slides it full and down the leg side, Sikandar Raza sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.

13.5: Mohammad Nabi to Tashinga Musekiwa, Flatter and around off, quicker one. Musekiwa tucks it to long on for a single.

Tashinga Musekiwa is the new man in.

13.4: Mohammad Nabi to Tony Munyonga, OUT! TIMBER! Mr.President replies with a magical delivery! Munyonga shapes for another big shot and Mohammad Nabi bowls a yorker-length delivery on the quicker side, around off. Munyonga looks to dig it out but misses and it crashes the stumps.

13.3: Mohammad Nabi to Tony Munyonga, FOUR! SHOT! Mohammad Nabi bowls it too full, outside off, Munyonga gets low and hammers it over mid-wicket for a boundary. 

13.2: Mohammad Nabi to Tony Munyonga, Drifts in a fuller delivery on middle, Munyonga clips it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

13.1: Mohammad Nabi to Tony Munyonga, Floats it on the slower side on middle, Munyonga leans and blocks it out.

12.6: Fareed Ahmad to Sikandar Raza, An in-angler, around off and cramps batter for room. Sikandar Raza keeps it out on the off side.

12.5: Fareed Ahmad to Tony Munyonga, Shorter and outside off, Munyonga dabs it to third man for a single.

12.4: Fareed Ahmad to Tony Munyonga, FOUR! Crunched! Fareed Ahmad serves it very full and outside off, gives width and Munyonga smashes it through covers for a boundary.

12.3: Fareed Ahmad to Sikandar Raza, Good length ball on top of off, Sikandar Raza knocks it to deep cover for a single.

12.2: Fareed Ahmad to Tony Munyonga, Short in length and outside off, Munyonga slaps it to sweeper cover for a single.

12.1: Fareed Ahmad to Sikandar Raza, Bowls it full and on middle, Sikandar Raza bunts it to mid-wicket for a single.

11.6: Mohammad Nabi to Tony Munyonga, Slower in the air, flighted on middle, Munyonga looks to clip but gets a soft leading edge to point.

11.5: Mohammad Nabi to Sikandar Raza, Sikandar Raza comes down and works it to long on for a single. 

11.4: Mohammad Nabi to Tony Munyonga, Drops it flat and outside off, Munyonga works it to long off for a single.

11.3: Mohammad Nabi to Sikandar Raza, Tossed up on middle, Sikandar Raza clips it to square leg for a single.

11.2: Mohammad Nabi to Sikandar Raza, Flatter delivery on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza turns it to square leg.

11.1: Mohammad Nabi to Tony Munyonga, Tossed up, around off, Munyonga punches it to cover for a single.

10.6: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Sikandar Raza, Bowls a slower length delivery, wide of off. Sikandar Raza looks to cut but misses it.

10.5: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Tony Munyonga, Length ball on middle, Munyonga nudges it to square leg for a single.

10.4: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Tony Munyonga, FOUR! Streaky way to get off the mark. Short in length and outside off, Tony Munyonga looks to cut but gets a thick outside edge to third man for a boundary.

Tony Munyonga walks in next.

10.3: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Ryan Burl, OUT! TAKEN! Abdullah Ahmadzai finds a wicket! Bowls a bumper from around the wicket, well-directed on middle. Ryan Burl is rushed as he looks to pull. It goes off the shoulder of the bat to point where Sediqullah Atal holds onto it.

10.2: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Sikandar Raza, Keeps it very full and outside off, Sikandar Raza drives it square on the off side for a single.

10.1: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Much needed! Solid shot! Pitched up, outside off. Sikandar Raza bends and lofts it over extra cover for a boundary. 

9.6: Mohammad Nabi to Ryan Burl, Much fuller, outside off, Ryan Burl drives it through covers for a brace.

9.5: Mohammad Nabi to Sikandar Raza, Fuller, on off, Sikandar Raza flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. 50 comes up for Zimbabwe.

9.4: Mohammad Nabi to Sikandar Raza, Short again, on off, Sikandar Raza eases it to cover.

9.3: Mohammad Nabi to Sikandar Raza, Short, on off, Sikandar Raza punches it to cover.

9.2: Mohammad Nabi to Sikandar Raza, Flatter, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it to short third.

9.1: Mohammad Nabi to Sikandar Raza, Short, on middle, Sikandar Raza pulls it through mid-wicket for a brace.

8.6: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Sikandar Raza, Slower one, on off, Sikandar Raza pulls it on the bounce towards long on for a single.

8.5: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Sikandar Raza, On a length, on off, Sikandar Raza pushes it to cover.

8.4: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Ryan Burl, Another single. Too full, on off, Ryan Burl fends it to mid-wicket for a single.

8.3: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Sikandar Raza, Short, on off, Sikandar Raza pulls it to mid-wicket for one more.

8.2: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Ryan Burl, Length, on leg, Ryan Burl tugs it to mid-wicket for one more.

8.1: Abdullah Ahmadzai to Sikandar Raza, Back of a length, on leg, Sikandar Raza tugs it to mid-wicket for a single.

7.6: Fareed Ahmad to Ryan Burl, On a length, on leg, Ryan Burl blocks it to mid on.

7.5: Fareed Ahmad to Ryan Burl, Hard length, on off, Ryan Burl blocks it to cover.

Slight halt! Rashid Khan is down on the ground as he has been hit on his wrist while fielding. The physio is out in the middle to have a look. He walks off the field. Let's hope he is fine.

7.4: Fareed Ahmad to Ryan Burl, Two more. Short, on off, Ryan Burl pulls it through mid-wicket for a brace. 

7.3: Fareed Ahmad to Ryan Burl, Hard length, on off, Ryan Burl punches it through cover for a brace.

7.2: Fareed Ahmad to Ryan Burl, Much fuller, on off, Ryan Burl pushes it back to the bowler.

7.1: Fareed Ahmad to Ryan Burl, Back of a length, outside off, Ryan Burl looks to slap it but misses.

6.6: Rashid Khan to Sikandar Raza, Keeps it full, on off, Sikandar Raza pushes it to cover.

6.5: Rashid Khan to Sikandar Raza, Much fuller, on off, Sikandar Raza flicks it to mid-wicket for a single. An overthrow allows the batters to collect one more.

6.4: Rashid Khan to Ryan Burl, Quicker, on middle, Ryan Burl flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

6.3: Rashid Khan to Ryan Burl, Much fuller, on off, Ryan Burl eases it to mid off.

6.2: Rashid Khan to Ryan Burl, Short, on off, Ryan Burl blocks it back to the bowler.

6.1: Rashid Khan to Ryan Burl, Too full, on off, Ryan Burl blocks it to mid off.

5.6: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sikandar Raza, Short, on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza blocks it back to the bowler.

5.5: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Ryan Burl, Much fuller, on leg, Ryan Burl flicks it to mid on for a single.

Ryan Burl is the new batter.

5.4: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust. Zimbabwe in a spot of bother. Flatter, on off, Brendan Taylor looks to loft it but gets it off the toe end of his bat. It lobs in the air towards extra cover. Mohammad Nabi settles under it and completes the catch. 

5.3: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Sikandar Raza, Flatter, on leg, Sikandar Raza flicks it fine for a single.

5.2: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Too full, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

5.1: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Flatter, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back.

4.6: Fareed Ahmad to Sikandar Raza, FOUR MORE! Back to back from Sikandar Raza! Much fuller, outside off, Sikandar Raza rocks back and steers it elegantly through backward point for yet another boundary.

4.5: Fareed Ahmad to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! That's a beautiful way to start! Much fuller, outside off, Sikandar Raza leans on and drives it magnificently through covers for a boundary.

The skipper, Sikandar Raza walks in.

4.4: Fareed Ahmad to Brian Bennett, OUT! TAKEN! Fareed Ahmad gets one in his very first over! Back of a length, on off, Brian Bennett hangs back and looks to pull it. The ball hits the toe end of his bat and lobs in the air towards mid-wicket. Mohammad Nabi goes back and takes a comfortable catch.

4.3: Fareed Ahmad to Brendan Taylor, Back of a length, outside off, Brendan Taylor slaps it through backward point for a single.

4.2: Fareed Ahmad to Brendan Taylor, Length again, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it to cover.

4.1: Fareed Ahmad to Brendan Taylor, On a length, just outside off, shaping away. Brendan Taylor looks to block it but gets beaten.

3.6: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Brian Bennett, Short and wide, Brian Bennett tries to slap it but misses.

3.5: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Brian Bennett, Short, on off, Brian Bennett pushes it to backward point.

3.4: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Flatter, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it to mid on for a single.

Brendan Taylor walks in.

3.3: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Dion Myers, OUT! TAKEN! You can't keep Mujeeb Ur Rahman out of the game! Slightly shorter, on middle, Dion Myers moves to his right and looks to paddle it. He mistimes his stroke as the ball carries towards short fine leg. Abdullah Ahmadzai leaps a bit and takes a good catch.

3.2: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Brian Bennett, Too full, on off, Brian Bennett pushes it down the ground for a single.

3.1: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Brian Bennett, SIX! A much-needed biggie! Back of a length, on off, Brian Bennett stays in his crease and clatters it magnificently over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

2.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Dion Myers, On a length, on off, Dion Myers flicks it to mid-wicket.

2.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Dion Myers, Hard length, targeting the stumps, Dion Myers blocks it back to the bowler.

2.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Brian Bennett, Much fuller, on leg, Brian Bennett fends it to point for a single.

2.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Brian Bennett, Length, on off, Brian Bennett blocks it to mid off.

2.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Dion Myers, On a length, on off, Dion Myers pushes it to cover for a single.

2.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Brian Bennett, FUVE RUNS! Bonus runs for Zimbabwe! On a length, on off, Brian Bennett pushes it to cover for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowlers end but misses. No one to back it up as the ball races away to the fence.

1.6: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Dion Myers, Short, outside off, Dion Myers looks to pull it but misses.

1.5: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Brian Bennett, Short, on off, Brian Bennett pushes it to mid on for a single.

1.4: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Dion Myers, Flatter, on leg, Dion Myers flicks it to square leg for a single. Brian Bennett wanted a second but was sent back. The fielder throws it towards the keeper who makes a run out attempt but Brian Bennett was well in.

1.3: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Dion Myers, Much fuller, on off, Dion Myers blocks it back.

Slight halt! Sediqullah Atal is down on the ground, as he has twisted his ankle while fielding. The physio is out in the middle to have a look. He walks off the field. Hope he is fine.

1.2: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Dion Myers, Much fuller, on off, Dion Myers flicks it through wide of mid on for a brace.

1.1: Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Dion Myers, Quicker, on off, Dion Myers knocks it down the ground for a brace.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman to share the attack.

0.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Brian Bennett, Short, on leg, Brian Bennett pulls it to mid-wicket. Mohammad Nabi dives to his left and makes a good stop. Keeps it to a dot. 

0.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Brian Bennett, Short, on leg, Brian Bennett leaves it alone.

0.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Brian Bennett, On a length, on off, Brian Bennett pushes it to point.

0.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Brian Bennett, On a length, on off, Brian Bennett pushes it to cover.

0.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Brian Bennett, Back of a length, just outside off, Brian Bennett punches it through covers for a brace. Zimbabwe are up and running.

0.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Brian Bennett, Azmatullah Omarzai starts with a length ball, on off, Brian Bennett punches it to cover. A dot to start.

We are all set for the game to begin. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Brian Bennett and Dion Myers walk in with their blades for Zimbabwe. Azmatullah Omarzai has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play... 

Pitch Report - The sky is clear and the deck has a good, even covering of grass. There are a number of cracks, but it won't make much difference. The par score should be around 190 here.

Rashid Khan, the skipper of Afghanistan, says that they would have batted as well. He says that they need to keep the consistency, and they have to focus on the areas where they have struggled. He adds that they need to restrict Zimbabwe to a score lower than 150. Ends by saying that they are unchanged.

Sikandar Raza, the skipper of Zimbabwe, says that they will bat first. Adds that the surface is a bit dry and it will be better for batting. He says that they will try to rectify the mistakes they made in the last game and would like to bounce back. Ends by saying that they have made two changes.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Brendan Taylor (WK), Dion Myers (In for Blessing Muzarabani), Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza (In for Tadiwanashe Marumani).

Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Shahidullah Kamal, Rashid Khan (C), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai.

TOSS - Zimbabwe have won the toss and will BAT first.