Strolling in with Afghanistan reeling at 5/4, Omarzai launched a counter-attack that fully modified the course of the innings. He hammered 116 off simply 50 balls, placing 5 fours and 12 sixes at an astonishing strike price of 232.
With the trouble, Omarzai registered the best particular person rating by a batter coming in at No. 6 or decrease in T20Is involving Full Member nations. He went previous the earlier document of 89, scored by former Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi in opposition to Eire in 2017.
The record-breaking knock additionally put Omarzai forward of Sam Billings (87 in opposition to West Indies in 2019), Cameron White (85 not out in opposition to Sri Lanka in 2010) and David Miller (85 not out in opposition to Pakistan in 2021) on the checklist.
Afghanistan's innings had been in full disarray after Zimbabwe's bowlers diminished them to five/4. A number of top-order batters departed cheaply, whereas Sediqullah Atal managed simply 17 off 21 deliveries earlier than falling within the ninth over.
Omarzai discovered a great accomplice in Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, and the duo launched a exceptional restoration. They added 142 runs off solely 59 balls for the sixth wicket, with Ijaz contributing a blistering 52 off 27 deliveries, together with 5 fours and three sixes.
The partnership was lastly damaged when Ijaz fell with the rating at 180. Omarzai continued his assault earlier than being dismissed within the nineteenth over, having already produced one of many most interesting rescue acts in Afghanistan's T20I historical past.
Captain Rashid Khan supplied a spectacular end, smashing an unbeaten 25 off simply six balls, together with 4 sixes. Mujeeb Ur Rahman remained not out on two as Afghanistan closed their innings at 221/7, scoring at 11.05 runs per over.
Rashid additionally achieved a significant milestone through the match, changing into the primary bowler to assert 200 wickets in T20Is.
Zimbabwe fall quick regardless of Sikandar Raza's century
Zimbabwe have been unable to beat the imposing goal regardless of a decided effort from captain Sikandar Raza, who scored his second T20I century.
Raza fought until the tip, however the guests in the end fell quick, with Afghanistan's early batting collapse proving to be a distant reminiscence after Omarzai's extraordinary intervention.
Tafadzwa Tsiga supplied invaluable help on his debut, whereas the dismissal of Ryan Burl dealt one other blow to Zimbabwe's hopes.
The victory additionally prolonged Afghanistan's exceptional dominance within the rivalry, marking their eighth consecutive T20I sequence win in opposition to Zimbabwe. The guests are but to win a T20I sequence in opposition to Afghanistan.
