SPORTS REPORTER

Zimbabwe suffered a humiliating seven-wicket defeat to Afghanistan in the third and final Twenty20 International at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday, November 1, as the hosts completed a 3-0 series whitewash.

The Chevrons were bundled out for just 79 runs in 14.3 overs before Afghanistan raced to 81 for three in only 8.1 overs, sealing victory with 71 balls to spare.

Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad was the chief destroyer, claiming five wickets for just 13 runs in 3.3 overs to dismantle Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order.

Zimbabwe’s batting troubles began early after Afghanistan elected to field.

Openers Innocent Kaia and Brian Bennett were dismissed cheaply, while captain Sikandar Raza managed just two runs as Zimbabwe slumped to 13 for three inside four overs.

Ryan Burl offered the only meaningful resistance, scoring 30 runs from 29 deliveries, including five boundaries.

Wessly Madhevere contributed 10 runs, but the rest of the batting line-up struggled against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack.

Noor ripped through the Zimbabwean middle order, dismissing Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Newman Nyamhuri and Ernest Masuku as the Chevrons lost their final six wickets for just 23 runs.

Abdullah Tarakhail also impressed with figures of two wickets for 14 runs from three overs.

Chasing a modest target of 80, Afghanistan made light work of Zimbabwe’s bowling attack despite losing three wickets.

Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with an unbeaten 25 from 17 deliveries, while Sediqullah Atal struck 20 off 14 balls.

Azmatullah Omarzai finished unbeaten on 18 as Afghanistan comfortably reached their target.

For Zimbabwe, Ernest Masuku claimed two wickets for 21 runs in two overs, while Blessing Muzarabani picked up the other wicket.

The defeat completed a disappointing T20I series for Zimbabwe, who had earlier lost the opening match by 37 runs and the second encounter by 19 runs.

Zimbabwe’s latest batting collapse contrasted sharply with the second T20I, in which Raza had struck a remarkable 106 runs from 56 balls in a losing cause.

The two teams will now turn their attention to a two-match Test series, scheduled to begin on November 5.

Brief scores: Zimbabwe 79 all out (14.3 overs; Ryan Burl 30, Noor Ahmad 5/13). Afghanistan 81/3 (8.1 overs; Ibrahim Zadran 25 not out, Ernest Masuku 2/21). Afghanistan won by seven wickets.