Zimbabwe fined for slow over rate as Afghanistan clinches T20I series

Zimbabwe faced penalties for a slow over rate during the third and final T20I against Afghanistan at the Harare Sports Club. The hosts were fined under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which mandates a five percent fine of the players’ match fee for every over bowled beyond the allotted time.

The charge was brought by on-field umpires Iknow Chabi and Forster Mutizwa, third umpire Percival Sizara, and fourth umpire Langton Rusere. Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza accepted the charges and the sanctions imposed by Emirates ICC Elite Panel Match Referee Andy Pycroft.

In the third T20I, Afghanistan claimed a three-wicket victory to clinch the series 2-1. After winning the toss, Afghanistan, led by Rashid Khan, opted to bowl first. Zimbabwe’s innings saw contributions from Brian Bennett (31 off 24), Dion Myers (13 off 12), and Wessly Madhevere (21 off 22), helping the team post a total of 127. Tashinga Musekiwa (12 off 10) and Wellington Masakadza (17 off 15) provided some late resistance.

Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan led the bowling attack, taking 4 wickets for 27 runs in his four-over spell at an economy rate of 6.80. Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Azmatullah Omarzai picked up two wickets each, restricting Zimbabwe to a modest total.

During the chase, Afghanistan’s top order faltered, but the middle-order batters stepped up to seal the win. Azmatullah Omarzai (34 off 37), Gulbadin Naib (22 off 22), and Mohammad Nabi (24* off 18) played crucial knocks. Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman guided Afghanistan to the target with just three balls to spare, ensuring a hard-fought victory.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, and Sikandar Raza, each claiming two wickets, pushed Afghanistan to the brink. Despite their efforts, the hosts fell short as Afghanistan chased down the target, taking the series.

Azmatullah Omarzai was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, while Naveen-ul-Haq, who consistently delivered throughout the series, earned the Player of the Series award.

Also See: Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe Schedule and Upcoming Matches

Brief score:

• Zimbabwe 127 (Brian Bennett 31, Wessly Madhevere 21; Rashid Khan 4/27)
• Afghanistan 128 (Azmatullah Omarzai 34, Mohammad Nabi 24; Blessing Muzarabani 2/19).