Afghanistan secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the third T20I at Harare Sports Club on Saturday. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi played a crucial role, smashing seven runs off three balls in the final over to clinch the series 2-1.
Nabi's heroics included a four, a two, and a single in the last over, adding to the excitement following Afghanistan's 50-run win the previous day.
Nabi remained unbeaten on 24, the second-highest score for Afghanistan. Fellow all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai top-scored with 34 and also claimed two wickets.
Zimbabwe set a target of 128 after being bowled out for 127 in 19.5 overs. Afghanistan reached the target with three balls to spare, marking their sixth consecutive T20I series win against Zimbabwe.
"In the middle of our innings we lost some wickets cheaply which put pressure on us," Nabi told reporters.
"But I managed to control my nerves and that gave me the confidence to go on and score the series-winning runs.
"Next up is the one-day international series and this wicket is not easy to judge. The pitch for the first two games was better -- today it was up and down."
Afghan captain Rashid Khan continued his streak of winning the toss, opting to field first in this decisive match. This was a change in tactics compared to the earlier matches where Afghanistan had chosen to bat first.
Rashid showcased his bowling prowess, taking 4-27, while Zimbabwean opener Brian Bennett led his team's batting with 31 runs, which included four boundaries.
Afghanistan faced a challenging chase, stumbling to 44-4. A crucial 48-run partnership between Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib (22) revived their hopes.
The tourists appeared to be in control until Omarzai was dismissed by Sikandar Raza with 13 balls left. This briefly gave Zimbabwe a glimmer of hope.
However, Naib's quickfire 18-ball innings, featuring three fours, extinguished Zimbabwe's chances and secured the victory for Afghanistan.
The two teams will now face each other in a three-match ODI series in Harare, starting on Tuesday. Following the ODIs, they will play two Test matches in Bulawayo.
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