Rashid Khan, Ijaz Ahmadzai power Afghanistan to 37-run win in 1st T20I vs Zimbabwe

Afghanistan secured a convincing 37-run victory over Zimbabwe in the opening T20I of their UAE series, played in Sharjah on October 27, 2026. Despite a challenging start that saw them reduced to 31 for 3 during the powerplay, Afghanistan recovered to post a total of 177 all out in 19.5 overs. In response, Zimbabwe was dismissed for 140 in 19.1 overs, giving the Blue Tigers an early 1-0 series advantage, Crictracker reported.

Ijaz Ahmadzai's explosive batting proved to be a turning point for Afghanistan. Coming in after the top order's collapse, Ahmadzai smashed a blistering 51 runs off just 20 balls, including four fours and four sixes, decisively shifting the momentum. His aggressive knock, combined with a steady contribution from Shahidullah Kamal, helped Afghanistan recover from a precarious position and build a competitive total. Afghanistan reached the 50-run mark in 9.3 overs, accelerating sharply through the middle and closing stages.

Ahmadzai's innings featured a rapid 50-run partnership with Kamal, which arrived off just 24 balls. During this stand, Ahmadzai contributed 37 runs while Kamal added 12, providing a crucial platform after three wickets fell inside the powerplay. Kamal finished with 46 runs off 42 balls, including two fours and three sixes, complementing Ahmadzai's aggression. Rashid Khan then delivered a devastating cameo at the death, smashing 30 runs off just 10 balls with one four and four sixes, propelling Afghanistan to a total that proved beyond Zimbabwe's reach.

Chasing 178 for victory, Zimbabwe made a relatively composed start, reaching 38 for 1 at the end of the six-over powerplay. However, Afghanistan's bowlers maintained consistent pressure through the middle overs, leading Zimbabwe to slip to 56 for 3 by the 9.3-over mark as wickets fell regularly. Although Zimbabwe reached the 100-run mark in 14.4 overs, the required scoring rate continued to climb. Afghanistan held firm, dismissing Zimbabwe for 140 in 19.1 overs and sealing the 37-run win. Rashid Khan also contributed with two wickets with the ball.

What to watch: The second T20I as Zimbabwe aims to level the series.

Editor's note: The draft accurately synthesizes all provided match statistics and narrative details from the source text.