Home Uncategorized Afghanistan wins first T20 against Zimbabwe

Afghanistan wins first T20 against Zimbabwe

by Kudakwashe Vhenge

By Trevor Makonyonga

Zimbabwe suffered a massive 48 run loss to Afghanistan in the first of three T20I matches played today, March 17 in Abu Dhabi.

Zimbabwe won the toss and sent in Afghanistan, a decision that played against the visitors as openers, man of the match, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (87) and Karim Janat (26) harvested 80 runs in the first wicket partnership.

At the peak of the Afghan Batsmen was Gurbaz (87) and captain Asgar Afghan (55) who also happened to share a phenomenal 74 run second wicket partnership.

Thing did not do so well for Zimbabwe who conceded 12 extras and leaked 66 runs in the first power play. Gurbaz could have been sent to the changing rooms at 41 had Wesley Madhevere held on to a catch off the bowling of Richard Ngarava.

Afghanistan scored 198/5 and it seemed to be a daunting task for Zimbabwe whose most successful T20I run chase is 172 which came against Ireland in July 2019.

Zimbabwe came in to bat but never looked like they could chase down the 198 which Afghanistan put on the board. The Chevrons managed to score 150/7. 

Tinashe Kanhukamwe (44) was the highest scorer for Zimbabwe with Sean Williams (22), Sikandar Raza Butt (22), Tarisai Musakanda (18), Richmond Mutumbami (15) and Brendan Mavuta (10*) being the other batsmen in double figures. 

Zimbabwe’s coach Lalchand Rajput said that his team took time to adjust from the red ball to the white ball and added that they would come stronger in the next matches.

The former Indian captain said, “Let’s be very honest, we just had two days to switch from red ball to white ball. It takes a little bit of time to get into the right ball mode. If you look at the first power play, I think we never bowled to our plan but I’m sure that you will agree that on the second spell I think we bowled very well. It was very good to see that we contained them below 200. 

“One game has gone so it will give us that urge and we will come back very strongly. It’s not right that we have given too many extras and we will come back stronger and we will have a practice session tomorrow. Hopefully as the games go, we will get our act right. Fielding is one aspect we have to concentrate on there was a drop catch but as I said we will come back strongly. As we know Afghanistan is very good T20 side, they are ranked number one at the moment so to play against them takes a lot of courage and our boys showed that.”


The Zimbabwean coach also stood by out of form talent Wesley Madhevere whom he said will come around.

“Cricket is a funny game I keep on saying. It will take you up and it will drop you down. We are trying to be positive with him because as it is his confidence is low so we don’t have to put any burden on him. I’m sure he will come back. He is a great kid for Zimbabwe. He has done well in Pakistan and Bangladesh so I’m sure it’s just a phase,” He said.

Zimbabwe play their next game on March 19 before concluding the tour the following day.

ReplyForward

Related Articles