KEY POINTS
- Tashinga Musekiwa scored 16 runs in the final over to guide Zimbabwe to a last-ball four-wicket win over Afghanistan.
- Brian Bennett’s crucial 49 runs anchored Zimbabwe’s chase, earning him the Man of the Match award.
- Zimbabwe leads the three-match T20 series 1-0, with the next game scheduled at Harare Sports Club.
Tashinga Musekiwa emerged as Zimbabwe’s hero in a nail-biting four-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the first T20 International at Harare Sports Club. The match culminated in dramatic fashion as the 24-year-old guided the Chevrons to their target of 145 on the final ball of the game.
Zimbabwe required 11 runs from the last over, and Musekiwa’s composed 16-run cameo off 13 balls proved decisive. His ability to handle the high-pressure situation ensured the home team took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Bennett lays the foundation
According to Herald, Brian Bennett, Zimbabwe’s opening batsman, anchored the chase with a brilliant knock of 49 runs, earning him the Man of the Match accolade. His innings, marked by precise shot selection and steady pacing, provided the platform for Zimbabwe to stay in the hunt despite Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
Afghanistan, after electing to bat first, posted 144/6 in their 20 overs. A cohesive bowling effort from Zimbabwe kept the visitors’ scoring in check, with key wickets falling at critical junctures.
A tense chase
Chasing a moderate total, Zimbabwe’s innings saw early fluctuations as Afghanistan’s bowlers applied pressure with early breakthroughs. However, Bennett’s mature innings kept the hosts on course and a late flourish from Musekiwa sealed the victory.
The game reached a fever pitch in the final over. With an equation demanding precise execution, Musekiwa displayed remarkable poise, finding the boundary when needed most. The crowd at Harare Sports Club erupted as the home side clinched the win in the most thrilling manner.
Series advantage for Zimbabwe
The victory gives Zimbabwe a crucial edge in the series, which continues with the second and third matches scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the same venue.
Afghanistan, known for their prowess in the shorter formats, will aim to bounce back and level the series. Zimbabwe, buoyed by their opening win, will look to maintain momentum and seal the series on home turf.
This victory also highlights the emergence of young talents like Musekiwa and Bennett, signaling a promising future for Zimbabwean cricket. The team’s ability to hold their nerve in high-pressure situations bodes well for their aspirations in international cricket.
The three-match series promises more excitement as both sides gear up for the upcoming fixtures, with fans eagerly anticipating another showdown between these evenly matched teams.
