Afghanistan Clinch Series with Dominating Seven-Wicket Victory in Second T20I vs. Zimbabwe

Series Sealed: Clinical Afghanistan Outplay Zimbabwe in Harare

In a comprehensive and series-sealing performance, Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the second T20 International at the Harare Sports Club on Friday, October 31, 2025. Chasing a modest target of 126, the tourists reached home comfortably with 12 balls to spare, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.

The victory was set up by a disciplined bowling effort, which restricted Zimbabwe to a below-par total, and was then anchored by a composed half-century from opener Ibrahim Zadran. Afghanistan continued their dominance over the hosts, securing the series with a match still to play.

The Full Match Report

Zimbabwe’s Struggle Continues with the Bat

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch that offered some assistance to the bowlers. The home side’s innings, however, never gained significant momentum. While the openers, Brian Bennett and Dion Myers, put on a cautious 22-run stand, the early breakthroughs by the Afghan bowlers applied immediate pressure.

The spinners, Afghanistan’s traditional strength, soon came into effect. Off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman and young medium-pacer Abdullah Ahmadzai claimed crucial wickets to prevent the top order from settling. The experienced Brendan Taylor fell cheaply for 3, continuing his poor run in the series.

Captain Sikandar Raza attempted to steady the innings, playing an anchoring knock of 37 runs off 32 balls, but he received little support from the middle and lower order. His dismissal in the 17th over, caught off the bowling of the returning skipper, signalled the final collapse.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan returned to bowl a fantastic late spell. After a wrist injury scare earlier in the game, the star leg-spinner showcased his class, ripping through the tail to end with incredible figures of 3 wickets for just 9 runs in 3 overs. His performance played a pivotal role in ensuring Zimbabwe were bowled out for a mere 125 runs in 19.3 overs, a total well short of being competitive on the Harare surface.