Afghanistan Beat Zimbabwe by 37 Runs: Ijaz Ahmadzai Hits 20-Ball Fifty, Rashid Khan Stars

Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by 37 runs in the first T20I of their three-match series at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 27, 2026. Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai smashed a quickfire 52 off 22 balls, while captain Rashid Khan contributed 30 runs off just 10 deliveries and claimed two wickets to help Afghanistan secure a 1-0 series lead.

After being sent in to bat, Afghanistan recovered from a difficult start to post 177 all out in 19.5 overs. Zimbabwe struggled during the chase and were bowled out for 140 in 19.1 overs.

Rashid was named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution, while left-arm fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi led Afghanistan’s bowling attack with three wickets for 13 runs.

Afghanistan Lose Five Wickets for 66 Runs

Afghanistan endured a difficult start after Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field. Captain Ibrahim Zadran fell for five, while Sediqullah Atal and Mohammad Akram were dismissed early as Zimbabwe’s bowlers applied pressure.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai also departed before Afghanistan could establish a substantial partnership. At 66 for five in 11.2 overs, Afghanistan were in danger of falling well short of a competitive total.

However, Shahidullah Kamal and Ijaz Ahmadzai revived the innings with an aggressive partnership that changed the momentum of the match.

Ijaz Ahmadzai Hits Fifty in Just 20 Balls

Ijaz Ahmadzai delivered one of the standout performances of the match, scoring 52 runs off 22 balls at a strike rate of more than 236. He reached his half-century in only 20 deliveries, striking four fours and four sixes.

At the other end, Shahidullah Kamal provided valuable support with 46 runs from 42 balls. Their sixth-wicket stand helped Afghanistan rebuild after losing half their side for just 66 runs.

Shahidullah was dismissed in the 17th over, but Ijaz continued attacking before falling in the 19th over. His innings gave Afghanistan the platform they needed to finish strongly.

Rashid Khan’s 10-Ball Blitz Takes Afghanistan to 177

Rashid Khan added crucial late runs with a powerful cameo of 30 off 10 balls. His innings included four sixes and three fours, giving him a strike rate of 300.

Rashid’s aggressive batting helped Afghanistan push their total to 177 before the innings ended in the final over.

For Zimbabwe, Newman Nyamhuri was the leading wicket-taker, finishing with four wickets for 31 runs. His late strikes prevented Afghanistan from batting out their full 20 overs, but the hosts still had a challenging target to chase.

Zimbabwe All Out for 140 as Afghanistan Bowlers Dominate

Zimbabwe began their chase of 178 with hopes of staying in contention, reaching 38 for one during the powerplay. However, Afghanistan’s bowlers tightened their grip during the middle overs, regularly taking wickets and preventing the batting side from building momentum.

Rashid Khan dismissed Innocent Kaia and Tadiwanashe Marumani, finishing with figures of two wickets for 20 runs in four overs.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman also took two wickets for 27 runs, while Fazalhaq Farooqi produced an outstanding spell of three for 13. Azmatullah Omarzai claimed two wickets as Zimbabwe’s innings ended at 140 in 19.1 overs.

Ryan Burl was Zimbabwe’s top scorer with 32 runs off 24 balls, but his effort was not enough to keep the chase alive.

Afghanistan Take 1-0 Lead in T20I Series

Afghanistan’s 37-run victory gives them a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. The result highlighted the team’s ability to recover from early batting setbacks and finish strongly with both bat and ball.

Ijaz Ahmadzai’s rapid half-century provided the foundation, Rashid Khan supplied late acceleration and key wickets, and Afghanistan’s bowling attack successfully defended the total.

The teams will meet again in the second T20I in Sharjah on October 29, with Zimbabwe looking to level the series and Afghanistan aiming to extend their advantage.