Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by 37 runs in the first T20I at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 27, 2026, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Rashid Khan delivered an impressive all-round performance, scoring 30 runs from just 10 balls before claiming two wickets to secure the Player of the Match award.
Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai Powers Afghanistan to 177
After Zimbabwe elected to bowl first, Afghanistan struggled early, slipping to 66/5 in 11.2 overs.
However, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai smashed 52 off 22 deliveries, including four boundaries and four sixes, to turn the innings around.
Shahidullah contributed a valuable 46 from 42 balls, while Rashid Khan provided late fireworks with 30 off 10 deliveries, hitting four sixes.
Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 177 in 19.5 overs.
Zimbabwe’s Newman Nyamhuri claimed four wickets for 31 runs, while Brad Evans and Ernest Masuku picked up two wickets each.
Afghanistan Bowlers Restrict Zimbabwe to 140
Chasing 178, Zimbabwe struggled to build substantial partnerships.
Ryan Burl top-scored with 32 from 24 balls, while Innocent Kaia added 24.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack maintained pressure throughout the innings.
Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed 3/13, while Rashid Khan registered impressive figures of 2/20. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Azmatullah Omarzai also took two wickets each.
Zimbabwe were dismissed for 140 in 19.1 overs, handing Afghanistan a convincing 37-run victory.
The result gives Afghanistan a 1-0 advantage in the three-match T20I series.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 1st T20I 2026: Match Summary
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 1st T20I |
| Date | October 27, 2026 |
| Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE |
| Toss | Zimbabwe won and elected to bowl |
| Afghanistan | 177 all out (19.5 overs) |
| Zimbabwe | 140 all out (19.1 overs) |
| Result | Afghanistan won by 37 runs |
| Player of the Match | Rashid Khan |
| Series Standing | Afghanistan lead 1–0 |
Top Performers
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai | 52 runs (22 balls) |
| Shahidullah | 46 runs (42 balls) |
| Rashid Khan | 30 runs (10 balls) and 2/20 |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | 3/13 |
| Newman Nyamhuri | 4/31 |
| Ryan Burl | 32 runs (24 balls) |
