SHARJAH: Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai produced a sensational batting display to script history in T20 International cricket, smashing a breathtaking century against Zimbabwe after his team had slumped to just 5/4 in the second T20I at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Walking in at number six with Afghanistan in deep trouble, Omarzai turned the game around with an extraordinary 116 off just 50 deliveries, powering his side to a formidable 221/7 in 20 overs.
His explosive innings featured five boundaries and 12 sixes, coming at an astonishing strike rate of 232. The knock not only rescued Afghanistan from a disastrous start but also earned Omarzai a place in the T20I record books.
Omarzai became the first batter from a Full Member nation to score a century while batting at number six or lower in T20 Internationals. His 116 also surpassed the previous highest score in this category, held by former Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi, who had scored 89 against Ireland in 2017.
The record-breaking innings also took Omarzai past Sam Billings, who made 87 against the West Indies in 2019, while Cameron White and David Miller had previously registered unbeaten scores of 85 against Sri Lanka and Pakistan respectively.
Omarzai and Ijaz Ahmed Ahmadzai stage remarkable recovery
Afghanistan’s innings appeared to be heading towards an early collapse after Zimbabwe’s bowlers reduced them to 5/4, with several top-order batters departing cheaply. Sediqullah Atal managed 17 off 21 deliveries before falling as Afghanistan struggled to rebuild.
However, Omarzai found an ideal partner in Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, and the pair produced a remarkable counter-attacking partnership that completely changed the complexion of the innings.
The duo added 142 runs from just 59 deliveries for the sixth wicket. Ijaz played an equally impressive supporting role, hammering 52 off 27 balls, including five fours and three sixes.
Their partnership finally ended at 180 when Ijaz was dismissed, but Omarzai continued his assault before departing in the 19th over.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan provided a spectacular finish, smashing an unbeaten 25 from just six balls, including four sixes. Mujeeb Ur Rahman remained unbeaten on two as Afghanistan finished at 221/7, maintaining a scoring rate of 11.05 runs per over.
Sikandar Raza’s century in vain as Afghanistan prevail
Zimbabwe responded with a determined batting effort, led by captain Sikandar Raza, who scored his second T20I century. Despite his impressive contribution, the visitors could not chase down Afghanistan’s imposing total.
Raza’s century kept Zimbabwe in contention, but Afghanistan ultimately secured a 19-run victory.
The result further extended Afghanistan’s dominance in T20I cricket against Zimbabwe, marking their eighth consecutive T20I series triumph over the African side, which is yet to win a T20I series against Afghanistan.
The match also witnessed another historic achievement, with Rashid Khan becoming the first bowler to reach 200 wickets in men’s T20 Internationals.
While Rashid made history with the ball, it was Omarzai’s extraordinary rescue act that stole the spotlight, turning an almost disastrous start into one of the most memorable batting performances in Afghanistan’s T20I history.
