Vintage Masakadza masterclass snaps Afghanistan’s winning streak in swansong

Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza bludgeoned his way to 71 off 42 balls to pick up his country’s first ever victory in T20Is over Afghanistan in Chottagram, Bangladesh on Friday.

The seven-wicket win also snapped Afghanistan’s world record 12 match unbeaten run in T20Is.

And this was after Chris Mpofu had returned best figures of 4-30 in restricting Afghanistan to 155-8 in their 20 overs.

But it was Masakadza who was the highlight, slog sweeping Mujeeb Ur Rahman early on for one five maximums in the match. He rushed his way to his half century off just 27 balls.

When he left the scene Zimbabwe were well-placed on 110-2. He skied one off Dalwat Zadran to be caught by Mohammad Nabi who caught him running from long-on. He had smashed five sixes and four 4s.

It was left to Regis Chakabva who freed his arms later but would fall for 39 when he slog sweeped one from Mujeeb to Rashid Khan.

Sean Williams was almost out caught and bowled off the next ball but Mujeeb dropped a sitter. He was duly punished, conceding 11 off the next four balls.

At the end Zimbabwe would make 156/3 with 3 balls to spare. Williams was on 22 not out.

Masakadza leaves the Chevrons setup having scored 1,662 in 66 T20Is, the only one to have four figures in the format. He is almost double the number of runs that Elton Chigumbura is on placed second.

Zimbabwe are out of the final and will now cast their eyes over to Singapore for another triangular with Nepal.