Raza’s century goes in vain as Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe

Azmatullah Omarzai produced a sensational batting performance to overshadow Sikandar Raza’s magnificent century as Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by 19 runs in the second T20 International at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

After being put into bat, Afghanistan endured a disastrous start, losing four wickets for just five runs. However, Omarzai launched a remarkable counterattack to turn the match around, smashing 116 off just 50 deliveries to guide his side to an imposing total of 221-7 in 20 overs.

The all-rounder’s explosive innings featured 12 sixes and five boundaries, with his maiden T20I century coming off only 44 balls.

Omarzai found an excellent partner in Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, who scored a quickfire 52 from 27 deliveries. The pair transformed Afghanistan’s innings with a remarkable 142-run partnership for the sixth wicket, rescuing their team from a seemingly hopeless position.

Ijaz also registered his second consecutive half-century in the series, further strengthening Afghanistan’s recovery.

After reaching 45-5 at the halfway stage, Afghanistan accelerated dramatically, scoring 176 runs in the final 10 overs. Rashid Khan added further fireworks towards the end with an unbeaten six-ball 25.

For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans and Kundai Matigimu claimed two wickets apiece but struggled to contain Afghanistan’s aggressive batting.

Chasing 222 for victory, Zimbabwe finished their innings at 202-5 despite an outstanding unbeaten 106 from captain Sikandar Raza.

Raza smashed his century off 56 deliveries and kept Zimbabwe’s hopes alive with an impressive display of power hitting.

He also shared an unbeaten 120-run partnership with debutant Tafadzwa Tsiga, who contributed 31 from 23 balls, including two sixes and a boundary.

However, Afghanistan’s bowlers had already put Zimbabwe under considerable pressure by reducing them to 82-5 at the halfway stage.

Despite Raza’s late assault, Zimbabwe fell 19 runs short of the target. Abdollah Ahmadzai was among Afghanistan’s key performers with two wickets for 34 runs in his four overs.

The victory confirmed Afghanistan’s series triumph with a 2-0 lead, making Sunday’s third and final T20I, scheduled for November 1, a chance for the visitors to complete a clean sweep.

While Raza’s century provided Zimbabwe with individual brilliance, Omarzai’s extraordinary innings proved decisive in a thrilling contest.