ZIMBABWE edged Afghanistan by four wickets, winning on the last ball of the match, to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
After being set a target of 145, the Chevrons bravely chased it down, taking it deep into the last ball.
All-rounder Tashinga Musekiwa combined well with Wellington Masakadza, chasing down the 11 runs required off the final over.
With scores tied at 144 and one ball remaining, Afghanistan employed an attacking field, but Musekiwa stood tall, nudging a delivery down the on-side boundary for four.
He finished unbeaten on 16 from 13 balls, with Masakadza not out on six runs from two deliveries.
Opener Brian Bennett top-scored for Zimbabwe with a run-a-ball 49, while Dion Myers contributed 32 runs from 29 balls.
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“It’s an honour to play for Zimbabwe. I felt it today with the love the boys gave me. Amazing to be in the team,” said Musekiwa, the match winner.
“The boys played tough, and it was hard to strike the ball early. In the end, we managed to use the big space, and it paid off.”
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza had predicted a strong performance against Afghanistan.
“Afghanistan presents us with another great opportunity to fine-tune our combinations and build on the blueprints we’ve developed as a team,” he said.
“Hopefully, we can capitalise on this chance and, God willing, win a series.”
Naveen-ul-Haq picked three wickets for 33 runs in four overs, while Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan took two, and Mohammad Nabi grabbed one.
For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava led the charge with three wickets for 28 runs from four overs, with Blessing Muzarabani, Masakadza, and Trevor Gwandu taking a wicket each.
The second T20I is scheduled for tomorrow, with the final match on Saturday.