ZIM vs AFG 2024 1st T20I – Result

Zimbabwe won by 4 wickets.

ZIM vs AFG 2024 1st T20I – Match Details

ZIM vs AFG 2024 1st T20I – Squad List

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ZIM vs AFG 2024 1st T20I – Zimbabwe Turn Coin Flip into Glory, Afghanistan Left in Despair

Before the match the focus was on whether Zimbabwe’s batters could survive Afghanistan’s spin trio of Rashid Khan Mujeeb and Mohammad Nabi, while Afghanistan looked up to their top order for a strong start. Afghanistan posted 144 for 6 with Karim Janat scoring 54 not out and Nabi adding 44 to steady their side. Zimbabwe answered through Brian Bennett with 49 and Dion Myers with 32 building a vital stand in the chase. Afghanistan’s spinners Rashid and Nabi struck back and created pressure leaving 10 needed from the last over. In the final moments Zimbabwe’s Tashinga Musekiwa smashed a boundary and drove the last ball for a thrilling four wicket win and a 1-0 series lead.

ZIM vs AFG – Last-Ball Drama in Harare as Zimbabwe Edged Afghanistan

Thanks to Richard Ngarava’s brilliant spell of 3 wickets for 28 runs, Zimbabwe never allowed Afghanistan to pull away in the first T20I at Harare Sports Club. Young batter Brian Bennett scored 49 from 49 balls, with support from Dion Myers who added 32 runs, giving Zimbabwe confidence in their chase. But apart from these two, the middle overs looked weak and the scoring rate faded. The game came alive in the last over when Tashinga Musekiwa, not known as a star, handled the pressure with calm running and then smashed a boundary off the final ball to seal a dramatic four wicket win, leaving Afghanistan stunned.

ZIM vs AFG – Afghanistan Needed to run for a stronger opening

Afghanistan missed the chance to set a commanding total by managing only 23 runs in the powerplay, which left them behind the game on a slow Harare pitch. Veteran all-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Karim Janat fought back with a solid stand of 98 runs in 76 balls, giving the innings some stability. However, Zimbabwe’s left-arm pacer Richard Ngarava struck at crucial moments, removing batters across the order and preventing Afghanistan from crossing 150. Young fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq answered with three wickets of his own to pressure Zimbabwe, showing that while the opening failed, both sides still displayed talent and resilience.

ZIM vs AFG – A concern in batting resources for Zimbabwe

The win did not come easy for Zimbabwe, as the margin was only one ball left and every single run mattered. Their opening pair of Bennett and Myers gave them 81 runs but once they departed, the innings slowed down and finishing looked uncertain. This highlighted Zimbabwe’s reliance on the top order and the lack of a consistent finisher to accelerate at the death. For global cricket fans, the thrilling last-ball victory showed the spirit of T20I cricket, but also gave lessons that Zimbabwe must sharpen their middle order and finishing power if they want to take down the series and wins it for their home court.

Below are the recent batters’ stats of previous Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe.

ZIM vs AFG 2024 1st T20I – Venue History&Analysis: Harare Sports Club

Stadium Capacity: Around 10,000 spectators.

Stadium Address: Fifth Street Extension, Harare, Zimbabwe

About the Stadium:

Harare Sports Club, the historic heart of Zimbabwe cricket, hosted high drama in the opening of ZIM vs AFG 2024 1st T20I. The ground is famous for its dry and slow pitch that gives spinners an edge and makes batting a real test of patience. In this contest both teams came with full strength, Afghanistan showed their batting power through Janat and Nabi, while Zimbabwe fought hard with Bennett and Myers to stay in the chase. The game went to the very last ball, where Musekiwa’s brave shot sealed a thrilling four wicket win for Zimbabwe. It was a result that promised more excitement in this series and proved why fans love the intensity of T20 cricket in Harare.

All Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe Match:

• ZIM vs AFG 2024 2nd T20I – Afghanistan Fight Back to Keep Series Alive
• ZIM vs AFG 2024 3rd T20I – Afghanistan Triumph in Thriller to Win Series 2-1