Fri Dec 13 18:26:25 UTC 2024: ## Afghanistan Levels Series Against Zimbabwe, Sets Up Decider

**HARARE, ZIMBABWE –** Afghanistan has levelled its T20I series against Zimbabwe, securing a comprehensive victory in the second match and setting up a thrilling decider on the 14th. The Afghan bowlers dominated, restricting Zimbabwe to a below-par total despite a fighting 35 from Sikandar Raza.

Afghanistan’s win was a team effort, with Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan leading the bowling attack, sharing six wickets between them. The Zimbabwean batsmen struggled to rotate the strike effectively on a two-paced pitch, repeatedly falling to the Afghan fielders. Darwish Rasooli starred for Afghanistan with a maiden T20I fifty, cementing his place as a promising talent.

Zimbabwean captain Sikandar Raza acknowledged his team’s batting woes as their “Achilles heel,” highlighting their consistent failure to post competitive totals. Despite the loss, Raza remains confident in his team’s ability to turn things around in the final match. He praised the improved form of several batsmen, including Bennett, Marumani, and Myers, stating their potential to win matches on their own.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan, while pleased with the victory, highlighted the team’s ongoing struggles with the top order. He lauded Rasooli’s performance, pointing towards his potential as a solution to Afghanistan’s number four batting position, a key area of focus leading up to the next World Cup.

The final match promises to be a tense encounter, with both teams needing a strong performance across all three departments to secure victory. Afghanistan will be looking to capitalize on their newfound momentum, while Zimbabwe will be striving to overcome their batting frailties and avoid a series defeat.

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