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Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Match Scorecard – 2025 Tour Results

George James Thompson Howard • 2026-04-24 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

Afghanistan toured Zimbabwe from October 20 to November 2, 2025, competing in a one-off Test match followed by a three-match T20I series. The tour produced contrasting results across formats, with Zimbabwe claiming a commanding victory in the Test before Afghanistan swept the T20I leg comprehensively.

The series took place entirely in Zimbabwe, with matches held at Harare Sports Club. While Afghanistan entered as favorites based on their recent form, Zimbabwe produced a remarkable performance in the longer format to claim their first home Test win since 2013. The subsequent white-ball leg, however, belonged entirely to Afghanistan, who demonstrated their strength across all departments.

What is the scorecard for the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Test match?

Test Result

Zimbabwe won by innings and 73 runs at Harare Sports Club

Afghanistan Innings

127 all out (1st) and 159 all out (2nd) against Zimbabwe’s 359

T20I Series

Afghanistan won all three matches, sweeping the series 3-0

Series Period

October 20 – November 2, 2025

Key Statistical Highlights

Ben Curran scored a fluent 121 for Zimbabwe, while Richard Ngarava claimed his maiden Test five-wicket haul with figures of 5/37. Ziaur Rahman Sharifi impressed on debut for Afghanistan with 7 wickets in the match.

First Innings Summary

Afghanistan struggled badly with the bat in their first innings, being dismissed for just 127 runs in 32.3 overs. Brad Evans was the chief destroyer for Zimbabwe, finishing with 5 wickets. Zimbabwe’s response was dominant, with Ben Curran anchoring the innings with a patient 121 off 256 balls, including 15 fours. Sikandar Raza provided valuable support with 65 runs, helping Zimbabwe reach 359 in their first innings.

Second Innings Drama

Facing a deficit of 232 runs, Afghanistan’s second innings showed more resilience but ultimately fell short. Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 42, while Bahir Shah contributed 32. Richard Ngarava claimed 5 wickets for 37 runs, and Blessing Muzarabani took 3 for 48, as Zimbabwe wrapped up victory by an innings and 73 runs.

Match Result Afghanistan Score Zimbabwe Score Player of Match
Only Test Zimbabwe won by inns & 73 runs 127 & 159 359 Ben Curran
1st T20I Afghanistan won by 53 runs 180/6 127 Azmatullah Omarzai
2nd T20I Afghanistan won by 7 wickets 129/3 125 Ibrahim Zadran
3rd T20I Afghanistan won by 9 runs 210/3 201 Rahmanullah Gurbaz

What are the scorecards from Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan T20Is in 2025?

Afghanistan bounced back strongly from their Test defeat, producing dominant performances across all three T20Is. The visitors won the series 3-0, demonstrating their superiority in the shortest format with both bat and ball.

First T20I – October 29, 2025

Afghanistan posted 180/6 in their 20 overs, with Ibrahim Zadran scoring 52 from 33 balls. Mujeeb Ur Rahman delivered a spellbinding spell of 4/20 from just 3 overs. Zimbabwe’s chase faltered at 127 runs, with Tinotenda Maposa top-scoring on 32. Azmatullah Omarzai was named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution of 27 runs and 3 wickets.

Second T20I

Zimbabwe managed only 125 runs in their innings, with Sikandar Raza top-scoring with 37. Rashid Khan starred with the ball, taking 3 wickets for just 9 runs. Afghanistan reached their target in 18 overs, losing 3 wickets, with Ibrahim Zadran remaining unbeaten on 57 to seal the victory.

Series Decider

The third T20I produced the highest scoring game of the series, with Afghanistan posting 210/3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashed 92 from 48 balls, falling just eight runs short of a century. Sikandar Raza responded with 51 for Zimbabwe, but Afghanistan held on to win by 9 runs and complete the whitewash.

Third T20I – Series Finale

Afghanistan posted their highest total of the series at 210/3, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz leading the assault with 92 runs off 48 balls. Brad Evans took 2 wickets for Zimbabwe. In response, Zimbabwe fought valiantly with Sikandar Raza scoring a quick 51, but Afghanistan’s total proved just out of reach, settling at 201 runs. Ibrahim Zadran was awarded Player of the Series for his consistent performances.

What is the timeline of the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2025 series?

The tour spanned 14 days, beginning with the Test match and concluding with the final T20I. Each format was contested at different venues within Zimbabwe, though Harare Sports Club hosted the majority of matches.

  1. October 20-22, 2025: Only Test match at Harare Sports Club – Zimbabwe won by innings and 73 runs
  2. October 29, 2025: 1st T20I at Harare – Afghanistan won by 53 runs (AFG 180/6, ZIM 127)
  3. October 31, 2025: 2nd T20I at Harare – Afghanistan won by 7 wickets (ZIM 125, AFG 129/3)
  4. November 2, 2025: 3rd T20I at Harare – Afghanistan won by 9 runs (AFG 210/3, ZIM 201)

The compact scheduling allowed both teams to transition quickly between formats. Zimbabwe’s historic Test victory on October 22 came after nearly 12 years since their previous home Test win, providing significant momentum for the host nation entering the white-ball leg.

Who are the key players in Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team matches?

Several players stood out across the series, making significant contributions in both victories and defeats. The contrasting formats allowed different individuals to shine.

Afghanistan Leadership

Hashmatullah Shahidi captained Afghanistan in the Test format, while Rashid Khan led the side in T20Is. Rashid Khan showcased his world-class leg-spin bowling throughout the T20I series, claiming 3 wickets in the second match for just 9 runs.

Zimbabwe Leadership

Craig Ervine captained Zimbabwe during the Test match, guiding the team to their first home Test victory since 2013. Sikandar Raza, who led Zimbabwe in the T20I format, also emerged as the standout performer across both series with consistent batting contributions in every format.

Standout Performers

Player Team Key Performance
Ben Curran Zimbabwe 121 runs in Test, anchoring Zimbabwe’s only innings
Ibrahim Zadran Afghanistan Series-high runs in T20Is, Player of Series
Richard Ngarava Zimbabwe Maiden Test five-wicket haul (5/37)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz Afghanistan 92 runs in 3rd T20I, explosive batting
Sikandar Raza Zimbabwe 65 in Test, 37 and 51 in T20Is
Brad Evans Zimbabwe 5 wickets in Test, 2 wickets in 3rd T20I

What is confirmed versus unclear from this series?

Confirmed Information

All match results, scores, and statistics are confirmed from official sources including ESPNcricinfo and CricketWorld. Zimbabwe’s first home Test win since 2013 is verified. The 3-0 T20I series sweep for Afghanistan is documented. Individual innings scores and bowling figures are complete.

Established Facts Information Requiring Further Confirmation
Test result: Zimbabwe won by innings and 73 runs Player of the Match for Test match not explicitly confirmed
T20I series: Afghanistan 3-0 Zimbabwe Individual match Player of Match awards
All innings scores and overs completed Attendance figures and pitch reports
Series dates: October 20 – November 2, 2025 Weather conditions during matches

How did this tour fit into the context of Afghanistan and Zimbabwe cricket?

Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe represented an important chapter in both nations’ cricketing journeys. Zimbabwe’s dramatic Test victory ended a 12-year wait for a home Test win, marking a significant milestone for a program rebuilding after years of struggles. The win demonstrated progress in their red-ball cricket, particularly in batting applications.

Afghanistan, meanwhile, continued their rise as a competitive force in international cricket. Despite the Test loss, their dominant T20I performances reinforced their status among the world’s best in the shortest format. The series also provided valuable match practice ahead of future international assignments for both teams.

What sources document this series?

“Zimbabwe won by an innings and 73 runs – Zimbabwe’s first home Test win since 2013.”

– ESPNcricinfo match report

The primary sources for this series include ESPNcricinfo for detailed scorecards and match reports, Wikipedia for series overviews, and CricketWorld for squad information and schedule details. IPL.com provided additional T20I match data.

Summary

Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe in late 2025 produced memorable moments across both formats. Zimbabwe claimed a historic Test victory by innings and 73 runs at Harare Sports Club, their first home red-ball win since 2013, with Ben Curran scoring a century and Richard Ngarava taking a maiden five-wicket haul. Afghanistan responded emphatically by sweeping the T20I series 3-0, with Ibrahim Zadran named Player of the Series and Rahmanullah Gurbaz producing a match-winning 92 in the final game. The contrasting results highlighted the unpredictable nature of international cricket and the distinct challenges posed by different formats. You can also explore Stockport vs Leyton Orient – 0-0 Draw Report, Stats & H2H for more sporting match analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the result of the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Test match?

Zimbabwe won the only Test match by an innings and 73 runs at Harare Sports Club from October 20-22, 2025.

Who scored the highest individual score in the Test match?

Ben Curran scored 121 runs for Zimbabwe in their first innings, anchoring the team’s dominant position.

What was the final T20I series result?

Afghanistan won the 3-match T20I series 3-0, winning all three games against Zimbabwe.

Who was named Player of the T20I Series?

Ibrahim Zadran was awarded Player of the Series for his consistent performances across all three T20Is.

When did Zimbabwe last win a home Test match before this series?

This was Zimbabwe’s first home Test victory since 2013, ending a 12-year drought.

Where were the matches played?

All matches were held in Zimbabwe, with Harare Sports Club hosting the Test and all three T20I matches.

What was Afghanistan’s highest T20I score in the series?

Afghanistan’s highest total came in the 3rd T20I, posting 210/3 in their 20 overs with Rahmanullah Gurbaz scoring 92.

George James Thompson Howard

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George James Thompson Howard

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