Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah:Azmatullah Omarzai produced a sensational batting display, smashing 116 off just 50 balls as Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by 19 runs in the second T20I on Thursday. Omarzai’s explosive century helped Afghanistan post 221/7 before Zimbabwe fought back through captain Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten hundred but finished at 202/5 in their 20 overs.
After Zimbabwe elected to field, Afghanistan endured a difficult start and lost wickets during the powerplay. However, Omarzai turned the innings around with an extraordinary assault, striking five fours and 12 sixes at a strike rate of 232.00.
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai provided crucial support with 52 off 27 deliveries, hitting five fours and three sixes. Their batting effort lifted Afghanistan to a formidable total of 221/7, with Rashid Khan adding a late flourish through an unbeaten 25 from just six balls.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain the middle-order onslaught. Brad Evans and Kundai Matigimu claimed two wickets each, but Afghanistan maintained a high scoring rate to put the visitors under significant pressure.
Sikandar Raza’s century goes in vain
Chasing 222, Zimbabwe lost wickets at regular intervals but refused to surrender. Brian Bennett scored 22 off 15 balls, while Innocent Kaia made 25 from 13 deliveries. Their contributions offered some momentum, but Afghanistan continued to strike at important moments.
Raza kept Zimbabwe’s hopes alive with a magnificent unbeaten 106 off 56 balls, including five fours and nine sixes. Tafadzwa Tsiga also contributed 31 from 23 deliveries, yet Zimbabwe could not maintain the required scoring rate throughout the chase.
Abdullah Ahmadzai led Afghanistan’s bowling effort with two wickets, while Fareed Ahmad, Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan picked up one wicket apiece. Afghanistan held their nerve in the closing overs to secure a 19-run victory.
The result underlined Afghanistan’s batting depth, with Omarzai’s remarkable innings setting up the win and Raza’s counterattack providing a thrilling finish. Despite the Zimbabwe captain’s century, Afghanistan’s imposing first-innings total proved too much to chase.
AFG vs ZIM 2nd T20I: Score summary
Afghanistan – 221/7 (20 overs)
Azmatullah Omarzai: 116 (50 balls)
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai: 52 (27 balls)
Rashid Khan: 25* (6 balls)
Best Zimbabwe bowlers: Brad Evans 2 wickets; Kundai Matigimu 2 wickets
Zimbabwe – 202/5 (20 overs)
Sikandar Raza: 106* (56 balls)
Tafadzwa Tsiga: 31 (23 balls)
Innocent Kaia: 25 (13 balls)
Best Afghanistan bowler: Abdullah Ahmadzai, 2 wickets
Result: Afghanistan won by 19 runs.
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Match: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 2nd T20I, October 29, 2026
