Fri Dec 13 14:22:14 UTC 2024: ## Zimbabwe Stuns Afghanistan in Thriller to Win T20I Series Opener
**Harare, Zimbabwe** – Zimbabwe pulled off a dramatic last-ball victory over Afghanistan in the first T20I of their series on Wednesday, winning by four wickets at Harare Sports Club. Brian Bennett starred for the hosts, scoring a crucial 49 runs off 50 balls to lead the chase of Afghanistan’s 144/6. He was named Player of the Match for his impressive performance.
Afghanistan, electing to bat first after winning the toss, suffered an early collapse. They lost both openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (0) and Sediqullah Atal (3), cheaply. Further wickets inside the powerplay left them struggling. However, a crucial 79-run partnership between Karim Janat (54*) and Mohammad Nabi (44) revived their innings, pushing their total to a respectable 144. Richard Ngarava was Zimbabwe’s most successful bowler, taking 3/28.
Zimbabwe’s chase also began with an early setback, losing opener Tadiwanashe Marumani for 9. But a 75-run stand between Bennett and Dion Myers (32) laid the foundation for victory. While Bennett fell just short of a half-century, late-order contributions from Tashinga Musekiwa and Wellington Masakadza ensured Zimbabwe reached the target in the final ball. The thrilling win gives Zimbabwe a 1-0 lead in the series.
First Piper 