Darwish Rasooli made his first international fifty, while Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan each took three wickets as Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by 50 runs on Friday to level their T20 series with one match remaining.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The teams meet again at Harare Sports Club on Saturday to decide who wins the first of three series, with three one-day internationals and two Tests to follow.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Afghanistan, who suffered a last-ball loss on Wednesday, won the toss and, thanks mainly to the recalled Rasooli who made 58, posted 153-6 off 20 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rasooli, one of three changes to the team, struck a six and six fours off 42 deliveries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Azmatullah Omarzai (28) and Gulbadin Naib (26 not out) were other Afghans to make important contributions while leg-spinner Ryan Burl and seamer Trevor Gwandu took two wickets each for Zimbabwe.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In reply, Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett struck 27, but once he departed, leaving the hosts struggling at 49 for four, only captain Sikandar Raza (35) proved a match for the Afghan attack.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Just one of the other Zimbabwe batters -- first-match hero Tashinga Musekiwa -- reached double figures as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 103 in 17.4 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Naveen, who finished with 3-19, and star leg-spinner Rashid (3-20) inflicted most of the damage, ably supported by Mujeeb Ur Rahman's 2-30.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We are still struggling to establish a strong top order, but the way Darwish played was very impressive," said Afghanistan captain Rashid.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We are always searching for someone who bats well at four. Darwish was looking good in the nets and we were waiting for him to take that form onto the pitch.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"The way the guys bowled was very impressive after missing our lines and lengths in the first match. It was about keeping it simple and hitting the right areas."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Raza said: "Our Achilles heel was once again our batting. We are still struggling to post good totals consistently.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Our bowling and fielding were fantastic. It was a better wicket than on Wednesday, and we were confident we could reach the 154-run target. That is why this loss hurts so much.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Afghanistan were semi-finalists at the recent T20 World Cup. So, if you want to beat them, you have to beat them in all departments."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\nBrief scores<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Afghanistan 153-6 in 20 overs (Darwish Rasooli 58, Azmatullah Omarzai 28, Gulbadin Naib 26 not out; Ryan Burl 2-16, Trevor Gwandu 2-29) v Zimbabwe 103 in 17.4 overs (Sikandar Raza 35, Brian Bennett 27; Naveen-ul-Haq 3-19, Rashid Khan 3-20, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2-30)<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Result: Afghanistan win by 50 runs<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Series: 1-1 with one match to play<\/p>\r\n\r\n