Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe in first T20I
An unbeaten fifth-wicket partnership of 69 between Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran guided Afghanistan to a six-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first of two T20Is in Bulawayo on Monday.
Chasing a target of 154, Nabi and Najibullah came together with their team in a spot of bother at 85 for four after 11 overs.
The pair though mixed good defence with calculated aggression as they saw the Asian team over the line with five balls of the innings remaining.
Najibullah scored 37 from 26 balls while Nabi hit 33 off 25 balls as Afghanistan followed up their historic series win in the ODI series to draw first blood in the shortest format.
Earlier Zimbabwe could not capitalise on a 100-run opening stand, in 12.3 overs, between Sikandar Raza (59) and Chamu Chibhabha (54) as the hosts posted a total of 153 for five in their 20 overs.
The second and final T20 takes place at the same venue on Wednesday.
Latest
-
NewsNew Zealand stars Devon Conway and Martin Guptill move up in T20I Rankings
Stoinis, Southee, Santner and Sodhi among others to advance in men’s weekly update after first two matches of New Zealand-Australia series.
-
NewsEngland axing tough to take but it was ‘best option’, admits Dom Bess
Bess is set to return to the team for the fourth Test against India
-
NewsTom Banton tests positive for coronavirus at the Pakistan Super League
The England and Somerset batsman is isolating in Pakistan.
-
NewsVirat Kohli refuses to accept pitch is to blame for England’s two-day defeat
Kohli believes poor batting by both sides resulted in the game being over inside two days.
-
NewsJoe Root wants England to free themselves from fear in fourth Test against India
The tourists will be hoping to level the series at 2-2 when they start the final match in Ahmedabad.
-
NewsZak Crawley vows England will be more proactive in battle against India’s spin
Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel have run riot in helpful conditions.
-
NewsDale Steyn heaps praise on Pakistan trio, prefers PSL over IPL
Record South African fast bowler Dale Steyn is full of praise for Pakistan players Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Babar Azam.
-
NewsChris Gayle sets sights on third T20 World Cup title
West Indies veteran Chris Gayle has set his sights on winning a third T20 World Cup when he makes his return to international cricket.
-
NewsCricket in line to receive significant chunk of £300m sports recovery package
The England and Wales Cricket Board welcomed the support, describing it as “a lifeline for parts of the game”.