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Afghanistan will look to complete a series whitewash when they take on Zimbabwe in the third and final T20I at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on November 1. The hosts have already secured the series with victories in the first two matches, but Zimbabwe will be determined to finish the tour on a positive note.
The second T20I produced a remarkable contest, with Afghanistan recovering from 5/4 to post 221/7. Azmatullah Omarzai led the recovery with a sensational 116 off 50 balls, while Zimbabwe’s bowlers will be keen to avoid another late-innings assault. With the series decided, individual performances could be particularly important in the finale.
Here are 3 player battles to watch out for in 3rd T20I:
The most compelling battle in the final T20I could be between Afghanistan’s in-form all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai and Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza. Both players have made significant contributions with the bat and can influence the game with their bowling.
Omarzai has been Afghanistan’s biggest batting sensation in the series. He scored an unbeaten 67 in the opening match before producing a breathtaking 116 off just 50 deliveries in the second T20I. His second-match innings included five fours and 12 sixes, helping Afghanistan recover from 5/4 and post a massive total of 221/7. He has also contributed with the ball, making him a valuable all-round option.
Raza, meanwhile, has been Zimbabwe’s standout performer. He scored an unbeaten 106 off 56 deliveries in the second T20I, featuring five fours and nine sixes. Despite his extraordinary effort, Zimbabwe finished 19 runs short of the target.
Raza could be the key bowler to challenge Omarzai, as he dismissed the Afghanistan all-rounder in the second match. Omarzai, however, will look to maintain his aggressive approach and put Zimbabwe under pressure. Their contest could once again decide the momentum of the innings.
Another important contest will be between Afghanistan’s experienced leg-spinner Rashid Khan and Zimbabwe’s young opening batter Brian Bennett. With Bennett expected to provide an aggressive start, Rashid’s spell in the middle overs could prove crucial.
Rashid has already made a significant impact in the series. He picked up two wickets in the opening T20I and added another in the second encounter. His variations, quick deliveries and ability to deceive batters in the air make him one of Afghanistan’s most dangerous bowling options.
Bennett has shown glimpses of his potential but has not yet produced a substantial innings in the series. He scored 13 in the opening game and was dismissed for a duck in the second. The final T20I offers him an opportunity to make a statement against one of the leading spinners in international cricket.
Bennett will need to use his footwork effectively and avoid allowing Rashid to dictate the tempo. The Afghanistan spinner, meanwhile, will look to exploit any hesitation and force the youngster into a mistake. If Rashid removes Bennett early, Zimbabwe could struggle to establish a strong foundation.
The battle between Fazalhaq Farooqi and Tadiwanashe Marumani could shape the opening phase of Zimbabwe’s innings. Farooqi’s ability to swing the new ball and Marumani’s aggressive approach make this an exciting matchup.
Farooqi was outstanding in the first T20I, claiming three wickets for just 13 runs in 3.1 overs. His control with the new ball helped Afghanistan restrict Zimbabwe to 140, securing a 37-run victory. He did not feature in the second T20I, but his return to the attack for the series finale could give Afghanistan an important early breakthrough option.
Marumani, meanwhile, will be eager to deliver a better performance after managing just seven runs in the series opener. The wicketkeeper-batter has the ability to attack during the powerplay, but he will need to be cautious against Farooqi’s movement.
Farooqi will aim to target the stumps and force Marumani to play across the line. The Zimbabwe opener will look to use the pace of the bowler and find scoring opportunities in the gaps. An early wicket in this contest could put Zimbabwe on the back foot once again.
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