ZIMBABWE’s Chevrons went down by 53 runs to Afghanistan in the opening T20I at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, despite a late fightback led by Brad Evans and Tinotenda Maposa.
Chasing 181 for victory, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 127 in 16.1 overs after a top-order collapse that left them reeling at 25 for four inside three overs. The early damage came courtesy of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Azmatullah Omarzai, who tore through Zimbabwe’s batting with sharp pace and spin.
Brian Bennett (24 off 15) tried to provide early resistance with a few crisp strokes, but once he fell to Omarzai, the Chevrons slipped further behind. Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, and Brendan Taylor all departed cheaply as the hosts found themselves 59 for six inside nine overs.
Zimbabwe showed some fight in the middle and lower order. Tony Munyonga (20 off 19) and Tashinga Musekiwa (16 off 16) briefly steadied the innings before Evans and Maposa launched a late counterattack.
The pair added 53 runs for the eighth wicket off just 30 balls, providing some hope for the hosts.
Evans struck 24 from 19 balls, while Maposa blazed a career-best 32 off just 15 deliveries, hitting five boundaries in a confident display. However, their partnership ended when Evans was caught and bowled by Mujeeb, and the tail folded quickly after that.
Earlier, Afghanistan posted 180 for six after being sent in to bat. Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with a fluent 52 from 33 balls, supported by Rahmanullah Gurbaz (39) and Azmatullah Omarzai (27). Despite Sikandar Raza’s impressive spell of three for 20, Afghanistan’s middle order held firm to post a competitive total.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman finished with figures of four for 20, while Omarzai claimed three for 29 as Afghanistan wrapped up the innings in style.
The result gave Afghanistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
