Noor Ahmad produced a sensational five-wicket haul as Afghanistan demolished Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the third and final T20I at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on November 1, 2026, completing a commanding 3-0 series whitewash. The left-arm wrist-spinner returned outstanding figures of 5/13 as Zimbabwe collapsed for just 79 before Afghanistan chased down the target in only 8.1 overs.
Afghanistan dominated the contest from the opening overs, with their pace attack making early breakthroughs before Noor dismantled Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order. Ryan Burl offered the only substantial resistance with 30, but Zimbabwe lost their final seven wickets for just 23 runs. Ibrahim Zadran then guided Afghanistan’s comfortable chase with an unbeaten 25, while Azmatullah Omarzai contributed 18 not out to complete the emphatic victory with 71 deliveries remaining.
Zimbabwe Collapse as Afghanistan Strike Early
Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran elected to field first, and the decision immediately paid off.
Fazalhaq Farooqi removed Innocent Kaia for five in the opening over before Azmatullah Omarzai dismissed Brian Bennett for two.
Zimbabwe’s problems deepened when Abdullah Tarakhail removed captain Sikandar Raza for just two, leaving the visitors struggling at 13/3 after 3.2 overs.
Ryan Burl attempted to rebuild the innings, striking five boundaries during his 30 from 29 deliveries. He found some support from Wessly Madhevere, who contributed 10 from 17 balls.
The pair added 43 runs for the fourth wicket, briefly stabilising Zimbabwe’s innings.
However, Abdollah Ahmadzai broke the partnership by dismissing Burl in the 10th over, leaving Zimbabwe at 56/4.
That breakthrough triggered a dramatic collapse.
Noor Ahmad Destroys Zimbabwe With 5/13
Noor Ahmad took complete control of the innings with an exceptional spell of left-arm wrist-spin bowling.
He dismissed Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga and Tadiwanashe Marumani in the 11th over, reducing Zimbabwe from 59/4 to 60/7.
The triple strike effectively ended Zimbabwe’s hopes of posting a competitive total.
Noor continued to attack the lower order, bowling Newman Nyamhuri for nine before trapping Ernest Masuku lbw for six to complete his five-wicket haul.
The 21-year-old finished with remarkable figures of 5/13 from 3.3 overs, conceding just 3.71 runs per over.
Tarakhail supported him with 2/14, while Farooqi, Omarzai and Ahmadzai claimed one wicket each.
Rashid Khan also contributed an economical spell, conceding only seven runs from two overs.
Zimbabwe were dismissed for 79 in 14.3 overs, leaving Afghanistan needing just 80 runs to complete the series sweep.
Ibrahim Zadran Guides Afghanistan’s Rapid Chase
Afghanistan approached the modest target aggressively, with Mohammad Akram striking three boundaries in a rapid 14 from just five deliveries.
Although Blessing Muzarabani dismissed Akram in the opening over, Afghanistan maintained their attacking approach.
Sediqullah Atal contributed 20 from 14 balls, including two fours and a six, before falling to Ernest Masuku.
Masuku then removed Noor ul Rahman for a duck, leaving Afghanistan at 44/3 after five overs.
However, captain Ibrahim Zadran remained composed and ensured there was no further disruption.
Zadran struck four boundaries during his unbeaten 25 from 17 deliveries, while Azmatullah Omarzai provided an aggressive finish with 18 not out from 12 balls, including two sixes.
The pair added an unbeaten 37 runs for the fourth wicket as Afghanistan reached 81/3 in just 8.1 overs, sealing a seven-wicket victory with 71 balls remaining.
Masuku finished with 2/21 for Zimbabwe, but the target was never enough to seriously challenge Afghanistan.
Afghanistan Complete Dominant 3-0 Series Whitewash
The victory completed an impressive 3-0 T20I series sweep for Afghanistan, underlining their strength in the shortest international format.
Noor Ahmad was named Player of the Match for his outstanding five-wicket haul, which proved decisive in Zimbabwe’s collapse.
Azmatullah Omarzai received the Player of the Series award for his contributions across the three-match contest.
Afghanistan’s combination of disciplined pace bowling, attacking spin and aggressive batting ensured they finished the series with another convincing performance.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe – 3rd T20I Match Summary
Zimbabwe – 79 all out in 14.3 Overs (Ryan Burl 30 (29), Wessly Madhevere 10 (17); Noor Ahmad 5/13, Abdullah Tarakhail 2/14)
Afghanistan – 81/3 in 8.1 Overs (Ibrahim Zadran 25* (17), Sediqullah Atal 20 (14), Azmatullah Omarzai 18* (12); Ernest Masuku 2/21)
Result: Afghanistan won by seven wickets with 71 balls remaining.
Player of the Match: Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan) – 5/13
Player of the Series: Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
Series Result: Afghanistan won the three-match T20I series 3-0.
