Mohammad Shahzad terrorised the Zimbabwean bowlers © AFP (File Photo)
Afghanistan have finished with an imposing total of 215 for 6 in their 20 overs against Zimbabwe in the second Twenty20 International (T20I) of the two-match series at Sharjah. Mohammad Shahzad was the chief sculptor of the score and in course of his effort carved out two iconic milestones for himself. First he brought up 1,000 T20I career runs in the very second over of the day with a six and in doing so has become the first associate batsman to breach the 1,000-mark barrier. But Shahzad’s appetite for runs was only fuelled with that milestone much to the agony of Zimbabwe. He was in a mood to smash everything and that is exactly how he rolled. Live Cricket Scorecard: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2015-16, 2nd T20I at Sharjah
He smashed and scored runs at such a rate that he made all other batsmen that came and went look very inconsequential in comparison. He started off a tad watchfully but once he got his eye in he hammered everything. He got to his fifty in just 30 deliveries. To get to his maiden T20I hundred he took just another 22 deliveries. UPDATES: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2015-16, 2nd T20I at Sharjah
On the way, he was given brief support from the likes of Asghar Stanikzai, Karim Sadiq and more substantial support from Mohammad Nabi who scored a 12-ball 26. All these batsmen came and went but Shahzad was invincible on the day. In spite of his aggressive approach it’s hard to pick out a delivery where he offered anything of a chance to the hapless Zimbabweans. ALSO READ: Mohammad Shahzad races to maiden hundred, during match against Zimbabwe in 2nd T20I at Sharjah
Even Graeme Cremer who has been the only consistent bowler for Zimbabwe in the series was torn to shreds by the belligerent Shahzad. No bowler had any idea as to how to contain him, let alone getting him dismissed. Tendai Chisoro was the only bowler who finished with respectable figures conceding 25 runs in four overs with a wicket to his name. ALSO READ: Mohammad Shahzad becomes first Afghanistan batsman to score over 1,000 runs in T20Is
Shahzad saw many a partner come and go but he stood till the end. However, perhaps due to fatigue, Shahzad was unable to keep up his scoring to the same destructive levels. After his hundred he got another 18 runs but that took him 15 balls more. Nevertheless, Afghanistan had the momentum and other batsmen did the job from there. Gulbadin Naib gave the finishing strokes. ALSO READ: Mohammad Shahzad becomes first Afghanistan batsman to score over 1,000 runs in T20Is
Brief scores:
Afghanistan 215 for 6 in 20 Overs (Mohammad Shahzad 118*, Mohammad Nabi 22; Tendai Chisoro 1 for 25, Graeme Cremer 1 for 35)