Afghanistan’s national cricket team the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe at the first opportunity when they coasted to a 47-run win in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 20 March. 

A solid partnership of 102 of Usman Ghani and Karim Janat laid the foundation for a powerful start of the series.  

Later, all-rounder Mohammad Nabi came in and hammered a 15-ball 40 late in the innings to help set up a total of 193/5. 

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s chase was restricted by Rashid Khan’s three-wicket haul, along with two wickets apiece from Mohammad Nabi and Naveen-ul-Haq. 

Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz departed for 9, but for Zimbabwe, the rest of the innings didn’t go to plan. 

Janat joined Ghani on 9/1. By the time their partnership was broken, Afghanistan had 111 on the board in under 12 overs.  

Ghani missed out on a half-century by just a run after his wicket was taken by Blessing Muzrabani. 

Meanwhile, captain Asghar Afghan and Rashid 22 runs in the final two overs to push Afghanistan’s total to daunting levels. 

For Zimbabwe, Richard Nagarava got one wicket, Blessing Muzarabani got two wickets, Donald Tiripano dropped one wicket and Ryan Burl got one wicket and made 148 runs and could not chase the target set by Afghanistan.