Afghanistan VS Zimbabwe Match ball by ball Commentary

The captain of Zimbabwe - Sikandar Raza reflects on the defeat. On the lessons from playing in Sharjah, he first mentions that their new-ball bowling has been fantastic, but is quick to admit that they must learn how to apply themselves against the spinners.

PLAYER OF THE SERIES - Azmatullah Omarzai takes home the award for his all-round display throughout the series. Omarzai says that he is very happy to be getting the Player of the Series award and it is the first time he has got it. Adds that he wants to dedicate this award to his big brother, who has supported him and is also his personal coach. Azmat mentions that he enjoys his batting a lot and his favourite shot is to go over mid off. On the celebration going wrong, he says that they wanted to have some fun, and Sediqullah Atal was trying to lift him but he fell down, and his back is hurting now. On the upcoming Afghanistan Premier League, he expresses that it is a great opportunity for the youngsters in the country, who will be able to rub shoulders with some quality players and high-ranked teams, which will only help them grow further in their careers.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH - It's Noor Ahmad who deservedly gets the accolade for his maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is. He never really allowed Zimbabwe to make any sort of comeback in the game. He starts by thanking the Almighty and says it feels very special to perform well for his country at this stage. He notes that it has been a long time since such a performance came, but expresses gratitude for it. On playing under Rashid Khan's mentorship, Noor reveals that the two have been chatting a lot, especially during this series, working on several aspects that have paid off in many games. However, he admits he is still not at his best, saying his form is at 60-70 percent and there is more work to be done. He adds that he is grateful to have Rashid as his teammate. Noor also reveals that before his last wicket, he was advised to bowl from further back. Says he applied that advice, and it worked. On missing out on a possible hat-trick, Noor admits he should have bowled his best ball on the hat-trick delivery. However, he reveals he was struggling with a hamstring issue, which kept him from being at his 100 percent. He hopes to give his full effort next time.

... The post-match Presentation ...

In conversation with the debutant - Abdullah Tarakhail says making his international debut was a dream come true, made even more special by receiving his debut cap from Rashid Khan. He recalls him messaging Rashid back in 2025 and telling him that the day would not be far when they would stand together in the Afghanistan jersey and perform for their country. He says he is extremely grateful to Rashid, the team, coaches and everyone who helped him settle in without feeling the pressure of international cricket. Reflecting on taking Sikandar Raza as his first T20I wicket, Tarakhail says he initially did not expect to bowl in the Powerplay, but Ibrahim Zadran suddenly called him up to bowl. Rashid and Ibrahim encouraged him to simply trust his best delivery and avoid trying anything extra. He says he was mentally prepared for the opportunity, backed himself and focused on using his variations, which eventually brought him Raza's wicket. Tarakhail also addresses comparisons with Lasith Malinga and Shaun Tait, saying his action is completely natural and not based on either bowler. He adds that his domestic coaches have always encouraged him to retain the action, telling him that what he has naturally is already the best for him.

Noor dents the Chevrons - It was Zimbabwe's one of the most shambolic showings with the bat in T20Is as they got bundled up on a mere 79 runs, their second-lowest total in the shortest format. Barring Ryan Burl and Wessly Madhevere, none of the Zimbabwean batters could get into double figures. There was a bit of controversy surrounding Burl's LBW dismissal, and his heated moment with Rashid, but overall, Zimbabwe were simply not at their best tonight. But interestingly, barring Rashid Khan, every Afghan bowler picked wickets and in the center of it all, it was Noor Ahmad who landed gut punch after gut punch with his maiden five-wicket haul, whereas debutant Abdullah Tarakhail also chipped in with a couple of wickets, including the massive wicket of Raza.

Total domination - A completely one-sided contest, with Afghanistan handing the Chevrons a 3-0 whitewash in the most ruthless fashion. They were up against it in the second T20I but found a way through, and in this series finale, they went all out, outplaying Zimbabwe in all three departments. Zimbabwe did manage to pick up three wickets, with Ernest Masuku taking a double strike and Blessing Muzarabani chipping in with one in his 100th T20I. But with just 79 runs to defend, they were never in a position to turn things around against a powerful Afghan batting lineup. A couple of scores in the 20s from Zadran and Atal, respectively, along with Omarzai's 18, proved more than enough for them to seal the deal.

Well, one more over then. Vincent Masekesa is brought into the attack as Afghanistan need 5 runs.