HARARE: Veteran Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi registered an unfortunate milestone on Wednesday, becoming the player with the most ducks for Afghanistan in T20 Internationals.
The 40-year-old was dismissed for a two-ball duck by Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani in the opening T20I at the Harare Sports Club, marking his ninth zero in 143 matches — the most by any Afghan batter in the format. Nabi thus overtook wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who previously held the record with eight ducks.
Most Ducks for Afghanistan in T20Is:
Mohammad Nabi – 9 in 143 matches
Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 8 in 78 matches
Gulbadin Naib – 7 in 78 matches
Rashid Khan – 7 in 106 matches
Azmatullah Omarzai – 6 in 59 matches
Despite Nabi’s early dismissal, Afghanistan managed to post an impressive 180/6 in their 20 overs, thanks to a collective batting effort. Ibrahim Zadran led from the front with a blistering 52 off 33 balls, smashing six fours and a six.
His opening partner Rahmanullah Gurbaz (39), alongside Sediqullah Atal (25), Azmatullah Omarzai (27), and Shahidullah (22*), all made valuable contributions to set up a formidable total.
In response, Zimbabwe crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 127 in 16.1 overs, falling short by 53 runs. Lower-order batter Tinotenda Maposa top-scored for the hosts with a quickfire 32 off 15 balls, featuring five boundaries.
Other notable contributions came from Brian Bennett and Brad Evans (24 each), Tony Munyonga (20), and Tashinga Musekiwa (16), but none could prevent the inevitable collapse.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack was once again led by Fazalhaq Farooqi (Rahman), who starred with figures of 4/20 in four overs. He was ably supported by Azmatullah Omarzai (3/29) and Abdollah Ahmadzai (2 wickets), sealing a convincing victory for the visitors in the series opener.
