By: LakshmiPS
Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashed 61 off 47 balls as Afghanistan posted 155-8 in their tri-nation Twenty20 international against Zimbabwe in Chittagong on Friday.
Gurbaz helped Afghanistan make a flying start, putting on 83 runs in the opening stand with Hazratullah Zazai (31) before Zimbabwe clawed their way back into the contest.
Chris Mpofu led Zimbabwe’s fightback with a career-best 4-30 while Tinotenda Mutombodzi claimed 2-18.
Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza will retire after the match, bringing an end to his 18-year international career.
Afghanistan have already qualified for the final where they will face hosts Bangladesh on September 24.
Zimbabwe have lost all their previous matches in the tournament.
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Asghar Afghan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (capt), Gulbadin Naib, Shafiqullah, Dawlat Zadran, Fazal Niazai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Zimbabwe: Brendan Taylor, Hamilton Masakadza (capt), Sean Williams, Regis Chakabva, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Ryan Burl, Richmond Mutumbami, Neville Madziva, Kyle Jarvis, Ainsley Ndlovu, Chris Mpofu
Umpire: Tanvir Ahmed (BAN), Sharfuddoula (BAN)
