Cricket

Omarzai century trumps Raza's as Afghanistan seal series

In one of the most remarkable T20 International matches in recent memory, Afghanistan rebounded from a disastrous start to defeat Zimbabwe by 19 runs in Sharjah, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Driven by a blazing 116 from Azmatullah Omarzai, Afghanistan rallied from 4 for 5 to post an astonishing 221 for 7—their third-highest T20I total—before withstanding a valiant unbeaten century from Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza.

Early Carnage: Evans and Matigimu Wreak Havoc

Choosing to bat first, Afghanistan endured a nightmare opening spell that threatened to end their innings before it barely began. Brad Evans set the tone on his second delivery, enticing Rahmanullah Gurbaz to toe-end an attempted loft straight to Sikandar Raza at cover. Two balls later, Mohammad Akram pulled directly to deep backward square leg, departing for a duck.

Kundai Matigimu then joined the demolition derby. Coming on for the fifth over, Matigimu struck with his very first ball as Ibrahim Zadran chopped on without footwork. His next delivery caught the outside edge of Shahidullah Kamal's bat, carrying through to keeper Tadiwanashe Marumani for another duck. Omarzai survived the hat-trick ball to close out a double-wicket maiden. When Sediqullah Atal edged debutant Vincent Masekesa behind for 17, Afghanistan found themselves reeling at 38 for 5, creeping to a mere 45 for 5 by the ten-over mark.

The Turnaround: Omarzai Goes Berserk

What followed halfway through the innings was a stunning exhibition of power hitting. Sitting on a quiet 20 off 19 balls at the midpoint, Azmatullah Omarzai completely shifted gears to dismantle the Zimbabwean attack. He brought up his fifty off 31 balls before launching an all-out assault against the bowlers who had earlier dominated.

Omarzai saved his most destructive hitting for Brad Evans, who had previously conceded just 13 runs in three overs. In a sequence of pure muscle, Omarzai smashed four, six, six, four, and six off consecutive deliveries, taking 22 runs off four balls. A carved boundary behind point sealed his maiden T20I century off just 44 balls.

Alongside Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai—who smashed 52 off 27 deliveries—Omarzai forged a monumental 142-run partnership for the sixth wicket, setting the highest partnership for the sixth wicket or lower in men's T20I history. Afghanistan blasted a staggering 176 runs from their final ten overs, becoming the first men's team in T20Is to pass 200 after losing four wickets for under 20 runs.

Late Fireworks and Milestone Magic

Even after Omarzai holed out for a match-defining 116 off 50 balls (including 12 massive sixes), the punishing assault on Zimbabwe's bowlers did not relent. Rashid Khan provided the final flourish with an unbeaten six-ball 25, hammering three consecutive sixes in Matigimu’s final over to push Afghanistan past the 220 mark. In total, Zimbabwe’s bowlers conceded replacement balls on multiple occasions as shots repeatedly cleared the Sharjah stadium walls.

Taking the field with the ball, Rashid Khan added another historic feat to his resume. By trapping Tadiwanashe Marumani lbw in his second over, Rashid became the first bowler in men's T20I history to reach the milestone of 200 international wickets in the format.

Raza’s Valiant Counter-Attack Falls Short

Chasing a target of 222, Zimbabwe started briskly, accumulating 16 runs off the opening over. However, quick strikes by Omarzai and Abdollah (2 for 34) reduced Zimbabwe to 82 for 5 halfway through the chase, leaving them needing a miracle.

Captain Sikandar Raza stepped up to deliver one. Despite battling intense heat and humidity, the 40-year-old veteran became the oldest player to score a men's T20I century. Alongside debutant Tafadzwa Tsiga, who provided steady support, Raza anchored an unbeaten 120-run sixth-wicket partnership.

Raza brought up his century in the final over with a towering slog-sweep out of the ground, following it up with a final-ball strike over the roof to finish on 106 not out off 56 balls. Though his heroics pushed Zimbabwe past 202 for 5, Afghanistan’s cushion from their lower-order onslaught proved insurmountable, handing the visitors a 19-run victory and the series trophy with a game to spare.

Key Match Statistics

Afghanistan: 221 for 7 in 20 overs (Azmatullah Omarzai 116, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai 52; Brad Evans 2-40)

Zimbabwe: 202 for 5 in 20 overs (Sikandar Raza 106*, Innocent Kaia 25; Abdollah 2-34, Rashid Khan 1-38)

Result: Afghanistan won by 19 runs and lead the 3-match series 2-0.