Afghanistan 221-7 (20 overs): Omarzai 116, Ahmadzai 52; Evans 2-40, Matigimu 2-48

Zimbabwe 202-5 (20 overs): Raza 106, Tsiga 31; A Ahmadzai 2-34

Afghanistan won by 19 runs

Sikandar Raza became the first Zimbabwe player to score a century against a full member nation, but his unbeaten 106 could not prevent a 19-run defeat to Afghanistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Zimbabwe chose to field and made a flying start. Bradley Evans removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Akram, and Kundai Matigimu bowled Ibrahim Zadran and Shahidullah Kamal, leaving Afghanistan 5-4 in the fourth over.

Azmatullah Omarzai then took the game away. He hit 116 from 50 balls, with 12 sixes, and added 142 with Ijaz Ahmed Ahmadzai, who made 52. Rashid Khan struck 25 from six balls at the end as Afghanistan reached 221-7.

Debutant Vincent Masekesa claimed 1/21 on his T20I debut, removing Sediqullah Atal.

Zimbabwe needed 222 and were 82-5 after 10 overs, with Brian Bennett, Innocent Kaia, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wessly Madhevere all gone. Raza then took charge, reaching his hundred from 56 balls with nine sixes and five fours. He shared an unbroken stand of 120 with Tafadzwa Tsiga, who also made his T20I debut and hit an unbeaten 31.

It was not enough, though the pair gave Zimbabwe real hope.

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