Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Match Scorecard

A classic rivalry revived—Afghanistan and Zimbabwe have recently clashed in multiple formats, producing contests rich in drama, individual brilliance, and shifting momentum. Below is a structured account of their latest face-offs, based on verified scorecards, with insights and context to bring the narrative to life.

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Overview of Recent Encounters

T20I Series – Afghanistan’s Commanding Performance

In November 2025, Afghanistan completed a clean sweep in a three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe. The final fixture, played on November 2 at Harare Sports Club, ended with Afghanistan posting a formidable 210/3, chasing down Zimbabwe’s 201 all out, winning by nine runs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s explosive 92 off 48 balls earned him the Player of the Match honor.(espn.com)

Earlier in that series, Afghanistan had also claimed victory in the second T20I by seven wickets, led by outstanding contributions from Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Zadran.(timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

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Test Matches – A Tale of Two Outcomes

Bulawayo Test, January 2025

Afghanistan emerged victorious in the second Test at Bulawayo, securing a 72-run win. After being dismissed for 157 in their first innings, they bounced back with a robust 363 in the second. Zimbabwe replied with 243 and 205, but it wasn’t enough. Rashid Khan’s all-round contributions earned him Player of the Match, while Rahmat Shah was named Player of the Series.(espn.com)

Harare Test, October 2025

Zimbabwe turned the tables in dramatic fashion, sealing their most dominant Test win against Afghanistan—by an innings and 73 runs. Ben Curran’s batting and Richard Ngarava’s five-wicket haul propelled Zimbabwe to this historic home victory, their first since 2013.(espn.com)

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Match-by-Match Breakdown

T20I Series Highlights

• 1st T20I: Afghanistan cruised past Zimbabwe, finishing at 180/6 defending against 127 all out. Ibrahim Zadran (52 off 33) and Gurbaz (39 off 25) powered the chase.(livemint.com)
• 2nd T20I: Afghanistan posted 153/6, with Darwish Rasooli’s aggressive 58 (42 balls) steering them to a comfortable 50-run win.(sports.ndtv.com)
• 3rd T20I: Zimbabwe faltered under pressure again, bowled out for 127. Afghanistan chased it down with three wickets in hand.(cricbuzz.com)

Test Series Contrasts

• January 2025, Bulawayo: A comeback story—Afghanistan overcame a first-innings deficit to post a commanding second innings, closing out the match with comprehensive control.(espn.com)
• October 2025, Harare: Zimbabwe’s emphatic response delivered their largest Test win ever against Afghanistan. A cohesive batting display and a fatigued Afghanistan line-up combined for a notable achievement.(espn.com)

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Analytical Insights and Real-World Examples

Balance of Formats

These results reflect intriguingly contrasting strengths. In the fast-paced T20 format, Afghanistan’s aggressive batting and seasoned spin corps continue to outshine Zimbabwe’s defenses. Players like Gurbaz, Zadran, and Rasooli provided the spark consistently.

When it comes to Tests, though, Zimbabwe showed deeper resilience—evident in their performance at Harare, aided by a rousing bowling display anchored by Ngarava.

Momentum and Conditions

Home advantage loomed large. Bulawayo’s pitch favored spin, aiding Afghanistan’s revival, while Harare’s surface offered pace and bounce—ideal for Ngarava’s swing-friendly skill set. It’s a reminder: conditions still matter, even in today’s T20-heavy cricket landscape.

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Key Takeaways

“Zimbabwe’s Harare Test win wasn’t just about one player’s brilliance—it’s a statement that Test cricket still rewards adaptability and collective discipline.”

• Format matters: Afghanistan excelled in T20s, with aggressive strokeplay and experienced spinners.
• Contextual adaptability: Afghanistan turned the tide in Bulawayo, but couldn’t replicate that in Harare.
• Resurgent Zimbabwe: Their Test win is a milestone—proof of their capacity to bounce back and dominate under favorable conditions.

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Conclusion

The Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe rivalry in late 2025 showcased compelling narratives: one of Afghan aggression in limited-overs and Zimbabwe’s resilient, disciplined Test strategy. These results illustrate how surface conditions, format, and player form converge to shape outcomes in unpredictable ways.

For fans and analysts alike, the lessons are clear: adaptability remains a premium asset. Zimbabwe might rethink team composition in T20s, while Afghanistan surely has to bolster their Test resilience. Either way, their next encounters promise to be just as engaging—and unpredictable.

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FAQ

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