2nd T20I
Darwish Rasooli and the bowlers has helped the Afghanistan team to level the series
Darwish Rasooli’s maiden fifty in international cricket, followed by a clinical bowling performance, helped Afghanistan level the T20I series against Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 103 in pursuit of 154, with Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan picking up three wickets each.
After losing the opening game, Afghanistan made a strong start to this match, racing to 18 in the first two overs.
However, a dramatic shift occurred in just nine deliveries: Rahmanullah Gurbaz was caught after mistiming a shot, Zubaid Akbari was run out due to a direct hit, and Sediqullah Atal departed, leaving Afghanistan struggling at 33/3 after five overs.
Rasooli then joined forces with Azmatullah Omarzai to steady the ship, and the duo built a partnership.
Rasooli hit a couple of boundaries to get going, and after a cautious start, Omarzai struck two sixes off Sikandar Raza and Wellington Masakadza.
Against the run of play, Zimbabwe struck again with Omarzai dismissed while attempting to hit against the spin.
Ryan Burl also removed Mohammad Nabi, leaving Rasooli to handle the scoring in the final overs.
Unfazed by the situation, Rasooli smashed a four and a six off Trevor Gwandu, giving his side some momentum and bringing up a crucial half-century.
Gulbadin Naib contributed well at the end, helping Afghanistan reach a competitive total.
Chasing 154, Zimbabwe believed they could secure a rare series win, but the Afghan bowlers had other plans.
Naveen and Omarzai each struck in the powerplay, leaving Zimbabwe at 40/2 after the first six overs.
When the spinners took over, Zimbabwe’s troubles deepened.
Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman returned to dismiss Madhevere and clean bowled Brian Bennett, leaving Zimbabwe at 55/4 at the halfway mark.
Zimbabwe’s hopes rested on the shoulders of veteran Sikandar Raza, but while he fought on, the rest of the team collapsed.
Rashid Khan dismissed Ryan Burl, and any slim chance of a recovery from Tashinga Musekiwa was quickly extinguished when Naveen returned to get him out.
Rashid and Naveen then wrapped up the innings, securing a comfortable win for Afghanistan.
The series decider will be played tomorrow.
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