Afghanistan completed a total series win against Zimbabwe after Ibrahim Zadran continued with his second consecutive half-century, following a very controlled bowling effort that limited the hosts to 125 all out in Harare. The win proved Afghanistan’s development in T20 cricket as a team, with Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Abdollah Ahmadzai, and Rashid Khan being the main contributors to the success with the ball before Zadran made it easy for the visitors to reach the target.

Ibrahim Zadran shines as Afghanistan bowlers set up easy chase

Zimbabwe’s batting displayed more intent than before but their performance was weak under pressure. Even if they tried to establish partnerships, none of the batters were able to convert their brief visits to the wicket into a big innings. All their gambles backfired — Dion Myers dropped a sweeping Mujeeb over short fine leg while Brendan Taylor’s cover drive attempt in the last ball of the final powerplay over led to a catch.

In a similar vein but a stark contrast, batting by Afghanistan was of controlled aggression. They hit nine boundaries in the powerplay — thrice as many as Zimbabwe — thus taking full advantage of the width and loose deliveries on the slow surface. Though less fluent than his earlier innings, Zadran’s calm fifty was the mainstay of the innings and after the powerplay, Afghanistan completed the chase with 12 overs to spare, thus sealing a dominating all-round performance.