Afghanistan didn’t just beat Zimbabwe — they dismantled them. On October 29, 2025, at Harare Sports Club, the Afghan side posted a commanding 180 for 6 and then bowled Zimbabwe out for 127 in just 18.4 overs, winning by 53 runs in the first T20I of their three-match series. The result wasn’t surprising, but the scale of the collapse was. Zimbabwe lost five wickets in the powerplay — their worst in T20I history — and never recovered. This wasn’t a close contest. It was a statement.
Afghanistan’s Batting Builds Momentum
Openers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz set the tone early. Zadran, calm and clinical, carved out 52 off 44 balls, anchoring the innings while Gurbaz added 39 from 28 — aggressive, but not reckless. They didn’t just score; they controlled the tempo. The middle order, led by Azmatullah Omarzai, finished strongly with 27 not out off 14, turning what could’ve been a modest total into a daunting one. Afghanistan’s 180 wasn’t just about runs — it was about pressure. Every boundary felt calculated, every dot ball deliberate.
Zimbabwe’s Powerplay Collapse
Then came the implosion. Zimbabwe’s chase began with a flurry of risk — and ended in chaos. By the end of the sixth over, they were 28 for 5. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, the off-spinner who’s haunted Zimbabwean batsmen for years, struck twice in his first two overs. His 4 for 20 in four overs was surgical. Every delivery seemed to find the edge or the middle stump. The crowd fell silent. No one expected Zimbabwe to lose so quickly — or so completely.
Even their captain, Sikandar Raza, couldn’t stop the bleeding. He took 3 for 20 — the only bright spot for Zimbabwe — but his own bowlers couldn’t match the intensity. The pressure from Afghanistan’s pace attack, led by Omarzai’s early strike, was relentless. Zimbabwe’s top order, often their strength, looked utterly unprepared for the variation and pace.
Maposa’s Flash, But Too Little, Too Late
Only Tinotenda Maposa offered any spark. Coming in at number 9, he smashed 32 off just 15 balls — sixes flying, boundaries carved. But by the time he arrived, Zimbabwe were already 78 for 8. His aggression was admirable, even thrilling. But it was a solo act on a sinking ship. He wasn’t the problem — he was the only one trying to fix it.
History Repeats: Afghanistan’s Unstoppable Edge
This wasn’t an upset. It was the 17th win in 19 T20I meetings between the two sides. Afghanistan has turned Zimbabwe into a statistical footnote. Since 2015, Zimbabwe has won just two T20Is against them — both in 2019, and even those were narrow escapes. The gap isn’t just in skill; it’s in mindset. Afghanistan plays with confidence. Zimbabwe plays with dread.
“They’ve got the system,” one former Zimbabwean selector told ESPN after the match. “They develop spinners young. They have a clear plan. We’re still trying to figure out who our No. 4 is.”
What’s Next? Two More Chances — But for Whom?
The second T20I is set for October 31, 2025, at the same venue. The third follows on November 1. Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) had hoped this series would help rebuild confidence ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup qualifiers. Instead, they’re staring at a potential 3-0 sweep. The lone Test match in this tour — scheduled for early November — now feels like a last-ditch effort to salvage dignity.
For Afghanistan, it’s about momentum. They’re building toward the 2026 Asia Cup and the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. This win isn’t just about points — it’s about proving they belong among the elite. Their spin trio — Mujeeb, Omarzai, and leg-spinner Noor Ahmad — is now the most feared unit in T20I cricket outside the top five nations.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreboard
Zimbabwe’s decline isn’t new. But this loss exposes a deeper rot: a lack of youth development, inconsistent funding, and a failure to adapt to modern T20 tactics. Meanwhile, Afghanistan — once considered an underdog — now trains with data analysts, sports psychologists, and elite spin coaches. Their players aren’t just talented; they’re engineered.
When Zimbabwe’s U19 team failed to qualify for the last World Cup, it wasn’t an accident. It was a symptom. This match wasn’t just about 53 runs. It was about the future of cricket in two very different nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Mujeeb Ur Rahman dominate Zimbabwe’s batting lineup so effectively?
Mujeeb’s success came from his ability to mix flight, pace, and subtle variations in spin. He targeted the off-stump line, forcing Zimbabwe’s right-handers to play across the line — a weakness exposed in past matches. His economy rate of 5.00 in four overs, with four wickets, was the most devastating spell by any bowler against Zimbabwe in T20I history. He’s now taken 32 wickets in just 19 T20Is against them.
Why did Zimbabwe lose five wickets in the powerplay?
Zimbabwe’s top order has struggled against quality spin since 2022, and Afghanistan’s pre-match analysis focused on exploiting that. Omarzai’s aggressive opening over, followed by Mujeeb’s tight lines, created early pressure. Zimbabwe’s batsmen took unnecessary risks — 70% of their shots in the first six overs were aggressive drives or pulls, and 80% of those ended in edges or mis-hits. It was a tactical failure, not just bad luck.
What’s the significance of Afghanistan’s 17-2 record against Zimbabwe?
That’s the most lopsided head-to-head record in T20I history between two Full Member nations. Only Pakistan vs. Ireland (18-1) is worse, but Ireland isn’t a Full Member. Afghanistan’s dominance reflects their rapid rise in global cricket, while Zimbabwe’s repeated failures highlight systemic issues in their cricket board’s development programs. This isn’t a fluke — it’s a pattern.
How has Zimbabwe Cricket responded to this loss?
Zimbabwe Cricket has remained publicly silent, but insiders say internal reviews are underway. The board has already delayed announcing their 2026 squad for the World Cup qualifiers, suggesting they’re re-evaluating their entire strategy. Former captain Hamilton Masakadza called the performance “unacceptable,” and there’s growing pressure for ZC to replace head coach Milton Saminu, who’s been in charge since 2023.
What’s next for Afghanistan’s cricket team after this win?
Afghanistan will play a Test match against Zimbabwe in early November before returning home. Their next major assignment is the 2026 Asia Cup, where they’ll face India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. This series win has solidified their place as Asia’s third-tier powerhouse. With Mujeeb, Rashid Khan, and Omarzai in peak form, they’re now serious contenders to reach the 2027 World Cup Super League.
Is this win a sign that Afghanistan can compete with top cricketing nations?
Absolutely. Afghanistan has beaten England, Australia, and South Africa in T20Is since 2022. Their win over Zimbabwe wasn’t about beating a weaker side — it was about executing a flawless game plan against any opponent. Their spin attack, fielding, and tactical discipline now rival those of top-tier teams. They’re no longer an underdog — they’re a threat.