Cricket is more than just a sport in many parts of the world—it’s a passion, a way of life, and a source of pride for nations. When the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard, it’s not just a game; it’s a clash of determination, skill, and heart. Both teams, often considered underdogs in the global cricketing arena, have shown time and again that they can compete with the best. Their recent encounters, part of Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe in December 2024 and January 2025, have been nothing short of electrifying. In this article, we’ll dive into the excitement of their latest matches, break down the scorecards, and share the stories behind the numbers, making it easy for anyone—whether you’re a cricket newbie or a seasoned fan—to enjoy the tale of this rivalry.
A Growing Rivalry with Heart
Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard have built a competitive rivalry over the years, especially in limited-overs formats like One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Both teams are known for their grit and ability to pull off surprises against stronger opponents. Zimbabwe, with its rich cricketing history, and Afghanistan, a rising force since gaining international status, bring unique flavors to the game. Their matches are often close, filled with moments that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The 2024-25 Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe included two Test matches, three ODIs, and three T20Is, showcasing a full spectrum of cricket formats. Each game told a story of resilience, strategy, and individual brilliance. Let’s walk through the highlights of these encounters, focusing on the scorecards and key moments, while keeping things simple and engaging.
The T20I Series: Fast-Paced Drama
The T20I series kicked off the tour with a bang, played at the Harare Sports Club. T20 cricket is all about quick runs, big hits, and tight bowling, and this series had it all.
First T20I (December 11, 2024): Zimbabwe’s Thrilling Victory
The opening T20I was a nail-biter. Afghanistan batted first, posting 144 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 20 overs. It was a decent total, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Sikandar Raza, kept things tight. Raza, a spin-bowling all-rounder and Zimbabwe’s captain, was economical, giving away just 21 runs in his 4 overs.
Zimbabwe’s chase started shakily, losing opener Tadiwanashe Marumani early. But Brian Bennett and Dion Myers steadied the ship with a solid partnership. Bennett, who later earned the Player of the Match award, scored a crucial 43 runs, while Myers chipped in with 35. The game went down to the wire, with Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq bowling a costly 15th over, leaking 19 runs due to wides and a no-ball. In the final over, Tashinga Musekiwa hit a one-bounce four and a single to seal a dramatic 4-wicket victory for Zimbabwe off the last ball. The crowd roared as Zimbabwe clinched a morale-boosting win.
Second T20I (December 13, 2024): Afghanistan Strikes Back
Afghanistan came back stronger in the second T20I, determined to level the series. Batting first, they posted a formidable 194 runs, thanks to a blazing 68 from Mohammad Nabi and a quickfire 45 from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain the Afghan batsmen, with only Richard Ngarava picking up 2 wickets.
Zimbabwe’s reply never quite got going. They were bowled out for 144, with Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Rashid Khan’s 3 wickets, dominating the middle overs. The 50-run defeat was a wake-up call for Zimbabwe, showing Afghanistan’s firepower in the T20 format.
Third T20I (December 14, 2024): Afghanistan Seals the Series
The final T20I saw Afghanistan clinch the series 2-1. Zimbabwe batted first and managed 150 runs, with Sikandar Raza leading from the front with a gritty 55. But Afghanistan’s chase was clinical. Azmatullah Omarzai’s explosive 60 and contributions from the top order ensured a 3-wicket victory with a few balls to spare. Rashid Khan again proved his worth, taking 2 wickets and keeping the pressure on Zimbabwe’s batsmen.
The T20I series was a rollercoaster, with Zimbabwe showing fight in the first game but Afghanistan’s depth and star power shining through. The series set the tone for an intense tour.
The ODI Series: Rain and Records
The ODI series, also at Harare Sports Club, promised longer battles and more strategy. Unfortunately, rain played a spoilsport in the first game, but the second and third ODIs delivered plenty of action.
First ODI (December 17, 2024): Washed Out
The first ODI was reduced to 28 overs per side due to rain, and after Afghanistan reached 68 for 2, further rain stopped play entirely. The match ended with no result, frustrating both teams and fans. It was a debut game for Zimbabwe’s Ben Curran and Newman Nyamhuri, who were eager to make their mark but had to wait for the next opportunity.
Second ODI (December 19, 2024): Afghanistan’s Dominance
The second ODI was a one-sided affair, with Afghanistan flexing their batting muscle. Choosing to bat first, they piled on 286 runs for 6 wickets in their 50 overs. Opener Sediqullah Atal stole the show with his maiden ODI century, scoring 104 runs, while Abdul Malik fell just short of a ton with 96. The 191-run opening stand set a daunting target.
Zimbabwe’s chase crumbled under pressure from Afghanistan’s bowlers. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveed Zadran were relentless, with Naveed picking up 4 wickets, including a fiery spell that saw Zimbabwe slump to 132 all out. Only Craig Ervine (32) and Ben Curran (28) offered resistance, but it wasn’t enough. Afghanistan’s 154-run victory was their biggest in ODI history by runs, and Atal was named Player of the Match for his stellar knock.
Third ODI (December 21, 2024): Afghanistan Seals the Series
The third ODI saw Afghanistan wrap up the series 2-0 (with one no-result). Zimbabwe batted first and posted 218 runs, with Dion Myers scoring a fighting 65 and Sikandar Raza contributing 42. But Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by AM Ghazanfar’s 3 wickets, kept the total within reach.
In reply, Afghanistan chased down the target in 47 overs, losing 5 wickets. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s calm 88 not out guided them home, supported by Rahmat Shah’s 45. Zimbabwe’s bowlers tried hard, with Blessing Muzarabani taking 2 wickets, but Afghanistan’s steady batting ensured a 5-wicket win.
The Test Series: A Battle of Endurance
The Test matches, played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, brought out the true essence of cricket—patience, skill, and resilience. Both teams showcased their best in the longer format.
First Test (December 26-30, 2024): A High-Scoring Draw
The first Test was a run-fest on a flat pitch. Zimbabwe batted first and declared at 586, their highest Test total ever. Sean Williams (154), Craig Ervine (104), and Brian Bennett (110 not out) scored centuries, while debutant Ben Curran made 68. Afghanistan’s bowlers toiled, with AM Ghazanfar taking 3 wickets.
Afghanistan replied with a massive 699, their highest Test score. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (246) and Rahmat Shah (234) put on a record 364-run stand for the third wicket, while Afsar Zazai scored his maiden Test century (113). Brian Bennett was the star for Zimbabwe with the ball, taking 5 wickets, including a dramatic collapse of 6 Afghan wickets for 20 runs.
Zimbabwe’s second innings saw a mini-collapse at 142 for 4, but Williams and Ervine steadied the ship to ensure a draw. The match ended with handshakes, as rain on Day 4 limited play. Shahidi was named Player of the Match for his monumental innings.
Second Test (January 2-6, 2025): Afghanistan’s Triumph
The second Test was a thriller. Afghanistan batted first and were bowled out for 157, with Sikandar Raza and Newman Nyamhuri taking 3 wickets each. Zimbabwe took a lead, scoring 243, thanks to Ervine’s 75 and Raza’s 61. Rashid Khan’s 4 wickets kept Afghanistan in the game.
Afghanistan’s second innings was a comeback story, with Rahmat Shah (139) and debutant Ismat Alam (101) leading them to 363. Blessing Muzarabani’s 6 wickets gave Zimbabwe hope, but they needed 278 to win. Rashid Khan, however, had other plans. His career-best 7 for 66, including the crucial wicket of Ervine (53), bowled Zimbabwe out for 205. Afghanistan won by 72 runs, taking the series 1-0. Rashid was the Player of the Match and the hero of the series.
Full Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Table
Below is a detailed table summarizing the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard 2024-25:
|
Match |
Date |
Venue |
Format |
Zimbabwe Score |
Afghanistan Score |
Result |
Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st T20I |
Dec 11, 2024 |
Harare Sports Club |
T20I |
145/6 (20 overs) |
144/6 (20 overs) |
Zimbabwe won by 4 wickets |
Brian Bennett (ZIM) |
|
2nd T20I |
Dec 13, 2024 |
Harare Sports Club |
T20I |
144/10 (19.2 overs) |
194/5 (20 overs) |
Afghanistan won by 50 runs |
Mohammad Nabi (AFG) |
|
3rd T20I |
Dec 14, 2024 |
Harare Sports Club |
T20I |
150/7 (20 overs) |
151/7 (19.3 overs) |
Afghanistan won by 3 wickets |
Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG) |
|
1st ODI |
Dec 17, 2024 |
Harare Sports Club |
ODI |
No result (rain) |
68/2 (15 overs) |
No result |
– |
|
2nd ODI |
Dec 19, 2024 |
Harare Sports Club |
ODI |
132/10 (27.3 overs) |
286/6 (50 overs) |
Afghanistan won by 154 runs |
Sediqullah Atal (AFG) |
|
3rd ODI |
Dec 21, 2024 |
Harare Sports Club |
ODI |
218/10 (48.2 overs) |
219/5 (47 overs) |
Afghanistan won by 5 wickets |
Hashmatullah Shahidi (AFG) |
|
1st Test |
Dec 26-30, 2024 |
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
Test |
586 & 142/4 | 699 |
Draw |
Hashmatullah Shahidi (AFG) |
|
2nd Test |
Jan 2-6, 2025 |
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
Test |
243 & 205/10 | 157 & 363 |
Afghanistan won by 72 runs |
Rashid Khan (AFG) |
Key Performers and Moments
-
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): The spin wizard was the standout performer, especially in the second Test, where his 11 wickets, including a career-best 7 for 66, clinched the series. His ability to turn games single-handedly makes him a global star.
-
Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe’s captain led by example, scoring runs and taking wickets across formats. His 55 in the third T20I and 61 in the second Test showed his fighting spirit.
-
Sediqullah Atal (Afghanistan): His maiden ODI century in the second ODI was a game-changer, setting up Afghanistan’s biggest ODI win by runs.
-
Brian Bennett (Zimbabwe): A rising star, Bennett’s all-round performance in the first Test (110 not out and 5 wickets) and his match-winning 43 in the first T20I marked him as one to watch.
-
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Afghanistan): The Afghan captain’s 246 in the first Test was a masterclass in Test batting, earning him the Player of the Match award.
What Makes This Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Rivalry Special?
The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard rivalry is special because it’s a clash of two teams fighting to prove themselves on the global stage. Zimbabwe, with its history of producing talents like Andy Flower and Heath Streak, is rebuilding under leaders like Sikandar Raza. Afghanistan, a relatively new cricketing nation, has risen rapidly, thanks to stars like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. Their matches are not just about winning but about showcasing resilience, passion, and the joy of cricket.
Both teams have faced challenges—Zimbabwe with financial and administrative issues, and Afghanistan with political and logistical hurdles. Yet, their love for the game shines through. The 2024-25 series showed that both sides can produce moments of brilliance, whether it’s a last-ball thriller in T20Is or a century-laden Test match.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on this series, both teams have plenty to take away. Zimbabwe will be proud of their T20I win and their record-breaking Test total, but they’ll want to address their batting collapses in ODIs. Afghanistan, with their series wins in T20Is and Tests, will look to build on their momentum for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
