The duo added 98 to put Afghanistan on top. © Getty
Afghanistan make it to Super 10:
Congratulations Afghanistan! What a dominating performance this has been! At one stage they were tottering with the bat but Nabi rescued them with a 98-run partnership alongside Shinwari to guide them to an imposing 186 on this slow wicket. The spinners then put Zimbabwe in a stranglehold and they never managed to recover. Watch out England, Sri Lanka, South Africa and West Indies, these guys are good enough to notch up a few more wins.
The final nail?:
This definitely has to be the final nail in the coffin. Sean Williams has been stumped off Rashid Khan's googly. Shahzad is elated as he breaks into a celebration. Afghanistan are almost there!
Zimbabwe reeling:
One more wicket! The spinners are in the act as Shinwari cleans up Malcolm Waller. The perfect delivery that pitches on middle and turns a shade to hit the off stump. Zimbabwe need almost 130 now in the last ten overs.
Nabi's turn now:
Another man of the match award in the bag for Nabi? He made some crucial runs to script this comeback and now he delivers with the ball. Mutumbami fails to connect his pull and the ball lands safely in the fielder's hands. Afghanistan completely on top now!
Rashid strikes:
Rashid Khan comes on to bowl in the 7th over and it takes him just two deliveries to strike on this surface which is assisting turn. Sibanda sweeps and gets a top edge which is pounced by Hamid. Sean Williams is in at number 4.
He had a choice?:
Big blow:
Hamid Hassan bowls one straight and Masakadza misses it completely! That's a cruel blow for Zimbabwe as their hopes hinged on their skipper. This is going to be long hard chase now. Richmond Mutumbami is the new man in.
Big moment that was:
What a finish!:
Top class stuff this from Afghanistan! What a comeback this has been after losing four quick wickets. Mohammad Nabi made 52 and was aided by Samiullah Shinwari as the team made 77 runs in the last five overs. Zimbabwe are flat, they are disappointed after this performance in the last few overs. Big chase coming up! Hamilton Masakadza will have huge burden on his shoulders.
Sami, Nabi rebuild:
Shinwari survives a close appeal for a catch near the midwicket boundary and Afghanistan go past 100. This is a crucial partnership after Panyangara's burst. These two need to stay on and push for a strong finish.
Dramatic turnaround:
What a shame. The pressure should be on #Zimbabwe after #Shahzadinnings but instead its the Afghan batsmen who look nervous#AFGvZIM#WT20— Hameed Shuja (@hameedshuja) March 12, 2016
Take a bow Panyangara:
Zimbabwe are firmly on top now! What has Noor Ali done? You cannot explain that chip to long on with your team in trouble. You just cannot explain that shot! Afghanistan in deep trouble now. Mohammad Nabi is in at number 6.
The fightback is on:
Well done Zimbabwe! They never lost their composure after the initial blitz by Shahzad and now they pick wicket number 3. Samiullah Shinwari comes in at number 5 ahead of Mohammad Nabi. They need a partnership desperately now! Can't afford to lose more quickly.
Double strike:
Take that say Zimbabwe! The skipper Stanikzai is gone now! Tinashe Panyangara comes into the attack and gets a wicket immediately! Afghanistan cannot afford to lose their way here, time for some rebuilding. Gulbadin Naib is the new man.
Shahzad played some extravagant shots during the powerplay. © Getty
Blistering start:
Mohammad Shahzad is gone! Sean Williams dismisses him but the damage in the powerplay has already been done by this marauder! What an entertaining knock it was! He is caught by the fielder while attempting a reverse sweep! Zimbabwe will breathe a little easy now.
He can bat too:
Toss: Afghanistan to bat first
Crucial toss this is and Afghanistan have won it! They will get to make first use of this pitch and will look to post a huge total against a vulnerable Zimbabwean batting unit.
Teams:
Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Hamilton Masakadza(c), Vusi Sibanda, Richmond Mutumbami(w), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Elton Chigumbura, Wellington Masakadza, Tendai Chatara, Donald Tiripano, Tinashe Panyangara
Afghanistan (Playing XI): Mohammad Shahzad(w), Noor Ali Zadran, Asghar Stanikzai(c), Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Samiullah Shenwari, Najibullah Zadran, Shafiqullah Shafiq, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Hamid Hassan
Build up:
The equation is simple! If you win, you make it to the Super 10 stage, you lose you are out! Afghanistan and Zimbabwe as expected at the start of the tournament are fighting in the end, to make it to the next round. Both teams look strong on paper, it is very hard to predict a winner. Unlike yesterday, we will in all probability be having a full match, which is terrific news.
© Cricbuzz
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