Spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman claimed four wickets while fast bowler Azmatullah Omarzai took three, leading Afghanistan to a 53-run victory over Zimbabwe on Wednesday, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match Twenty20 series.

Winning the toss at Harare Sports Club, the visitors chose to bat first and posted a score of 180-6, with openers Ibrahim Zadran (52) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (39) being the primary contributors.

Zimbabwe’s reply faltered early, plunging to 30-5 within the first five overs, and they were ultimately all out for 127. Lower-order batsman Tinotenda Maposa (32) was the top scorer for the home team.

Gurbaz struck a six and six fours, contributing 76 runs with Zadran for the first wicket before he was caught in the covers by Tadiwanashe Marumani off a Sikandar Raza delivery. Zadra

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