Rashid Khan makes T20I history as Afghanistan defeats Zimbabwe

Afghanistan secured an unassailable lead in their T20I series against Zimbabwe following a dramatic comeback victory, highlighted by Rashid Khan becoming the first bowler to claim 200 T20I wickets.

Record-Breaking Partnership and Innings

Put into bat first, Afghanistan struggled initially, losing their first four wickets inside the powerplay with the score at 5/4, followed by a fifth wicket in the ninth over. Azmatullah Omarzai and Ijaz Ahmadzai staged a remarkable recovery through a 142-run partnership, which stands as the highest ever for the sixth wicket or lower in T20Is.

• Azmatullah Omarzai scored his maiden T20I century, making 116 runs with 12 sixes and five boundaries.
• Ijaz Ahmadzai contributed 52 runs.
• Omarzai became the fourth Afghan batter to record a T20I hundred.

Afghanistan finished their 20 overs at 221/7, becoming the first team to surpass 200 runs in a T20I after losing their first four wickets for fewer than 20 runs. This also marks Afghanistan's third-highest total in the format.

Zimbabwe's Chase and Rashid's Milestone

In response, Zimbabwe faced early pressure, slipping to 85/5 at the halfway stage. Captain Sikandar Raza kept his team in contention with his second T20I century, hitting five fours and nine maximums, but Afghanistan ultimately defended their total to seal the win.

• Rashid Khan reached the historic milestone of 200 T20I wickets in his 120th appearance, putting him ahead of England's Adil Rashid, who holds 171 wickets from 153 matches.
• The match formed part of a three-match series.

Series Fixtures and Results

• 27 October: First T20I (Afghanistan win by 37 runs)
• 29 October: Second T20I (Afghanistan win by 19 runs)
• 1 November: Third T20I

Fans can verify official match summaries and scorecards through the International Cricket Council (ICC) official website or authorized cricket boards.