Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai produced a stunning batting performance to register his maiden T20I century, helping his side defeat Zimbabwe by 19 runs in the second T20I at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 29, 2026. His extraordinary innings transformed Afghanistan’s struggling position into a match-winning total and secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Afghanistan collapse before Azmatullah Omarzai’s incredible rescue act

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field, a decision that initially appeared to work perfectly. Afghanistan suffered a nightmare start, losing four wickets for just five runs as Brad Evans and the Zimbabwean bowlers ripped through the top order.

The situation deteriorated further when Afghanistan slipped to 38/5, leaving the visitors firmly in control. With wickets falling regularly and the scoreboard barely moving, Afghanistan needed a special performance to recover.

Omarzai stepped up when his team needed him most. Rather than allowing the pressure to build, he counterattacked with confidence, finding the boundary regularly and forcing Zimbabwe to rethink their bowling plans.

He found an ideal partner in Ijaz Ahmadzai, who played an equally important role in the remarkable recovery. The pair combined aggression with sensible shot selection, gradually turning a potential batting disaster into a commanding position.

The sixth-wicket partnership between Omarzai and Ijaz Ahmadzai proved decisive. Their 142-run stand set a new record for the highest sixth-wicket partnership in men’s T20I cricket, giving Afghanistan a platform to launch a spectacular late assault.

Omarzai reached his half-century from just 31 balls before accelerating further. His clean striking and ability to find gaps made life increasingly difficult for Zimbabwe’s bowlers.

The defining moment arrived during the 17th over, when Omarzai took Brad Evans apart in a 27-run over. The sequence of boundaries, including sixes and fours, captured the intensity of his innings as he raced towards three figures.

Here’s the video:

6️⃣.6️⃣.4️⃣.6️⃣.4️⃣ and a magnificent HUNDRED! 💯💯

Sensational Stuff from @AzmatOmarzay! 👏👏#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvZIM | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/OJ96kXWZwp

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 29, 2026

He completed his century off just 44 balls, marking a major milestone in his international career. Omarzai eventually departed for 116 off 50 deliveries, having struck 12 sixes and five fours at a strike rate of 232.

Ijaz Ahmadzai contributed an impressive 52 off 27 balls, while Rashid Khan provided a spectacular finishing touch. Rashid smashed four sixes in a six-ball unbeaten 25, pushing Afghanistan to 221/7.

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Sikandar Raza’s century goes in vain

Chasing 222 was always going to be difficult, but Zimbabwe began positively. Innocent Kaia and Brian Bennett attacked early, offering hope of a competitive chase.

Afghanistan struck back through crucial wickets, however, leaving Zimbabwe under pressure in the middle overs. With the required rate climbing, Raza took responsibility and launched a determined counterattack.

The Zimbabwe captain remained unbeaten on 106 off 56 balls, striking five fours and ninw sixes. Tafadzwa Tsiga supported him with an unbeaten 31 off 23 deliveries, and their unbroken 120-run sixth-wicket partnership briefly revived Zimbabwe’s hopes.

Despite their efforts, Zimbabwe finished on 202/5, falling 19 runs short of the target.

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