Mohammad Shahzad was relentless in his attack as he finished with an unbeaten ton © AFP (File photo)
Afghanistan cruised to a 85-run win against Zimbabwe in the second T20 International (T20I) at Sharjah and have also won the series 2-0. Mohammad Shahzad scored a magnificent century to set helps his side to 215 for 6 in 20 Overs. With a steep target to chase, Zimbabwe got off to the worst possible start, losing five wickets with just 34 runs n the board. Hamilton Masakadza and Peter Moor added 77 for the sixth wicket, which saved them from getting bowled out for an embarrassing score. Masakadza scored a 44-ball 63, but his effort was not able to get Zimbabwe anywhere close to the Afghanistan total. Full Cricket Scorecard: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2015-16, 2nd T20I at Sharjah
Afghanistan bowelrs backed up the efforts of their batsmen well and did not let Zimbabwe into the match one bit. Dawlat Zadran, AMit Hamza and Sayed Shirzad picked up two wickets apiece along with Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, who chipped in with a wicket each. Afghanistan were also excellent on the field, inflicting a couple of run outs along the way. Full Updates: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2015-16, 2nd T20I at Sharjah
Zimbabwe had won the toss and elected to field first. Zimbabwe bowlers were given a whacking by Afghanistan batsmen, especially Shahzad. 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.
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.
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) beat Zimbabwe 134 in 18.1 Overs ( Hamilton Masakadza 63, Peter Moor 35; Dawlat Zadran 2 for 21, Amir Hamza 2 for 15) by 81 runs.
Man of the match: Mohammad Shahzad
Man of the series: Mohammad Shahzad