Afghanistan 137 for 6 (Shahidi 38, Nabi 34*, Muzarabani 2-18, Chatara 2-32) beat Zimbabwe 135 all out (Raza 38, Burl 21, Rashid 3-31, Nabi 2-21, Farooqi 2-25) by four wickets
All six Afghanistan bowlers picked up at least a wicket as Zimbabwe, after being put into bat, folded for 135 in 44.5 overs. On a surface that had a bit in it for the bowlers, Afghanistan struck at regular intervals, never allowing any of the batters to settle.
With nothing to lose, Zimbabwe bowled with aggressive plans up top. Muzarabani was quick, accurate and hit the batters on several occasions. After collecting a solitary run at the end of three overs, Rahmanullah Gurbaz broke the rut, clattering Tendai Chatara for a six over cover. The bowler got his man two balls later, though, the opener caught at slip. Muzarabani then got into the act, first dismissing Ibrahim Zadran for 8 before catching Rahmat Shah’s outside edge for 17. Muzarabani bowled his 10 overs on the trot, finishing with impeccable figures of 2 for 18, which included three maidens.
However, once he was finished with his spell, Afghanistan found proceedings easier. Chatara did get rid of Najibullah Zadran but Shahidi kept his cool. He added 45 runs for the fifth wicket with Nabi before falling for 38. Omarzai’s wicket, with the score on 118 for 6 might have raised Zimbabwe’s hopes but Nabi, alongside Rashid took the visitors home with plenty to spare. He sealed the series and the clean sweep for Afghanistan with a solid pull of deep midwicket.
Rashid was named Player of the Match for his three wickets, while Rahmat was declared Player of the Series.