Afghanistan Sweep Zimbabwe 3-0 in Sharjah
Noor Ahmad's five-wicket haul helped Afghanistan win the third T20I by seven wickets after an on-field flare-up.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Romance
Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the third T20I at Sharjah Cricket Stadium to complete a 3-0 series sweep. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 79 in 14.3 overs before Afghanistan reached 80 for 3 in 8.1 overs.
Why it matters
The win gives Afghanistan a clean series sweep and highlights Noor Ahmad's first five-wicket haul in T20I cricket. The match was also marked by a heated exchange between Rashid Khan and Ryan Burl that required umpires to intervene.
Noor Ahmad's 5 wickets for 13 runs were his first five-wicket haul in T20I cricket, and Afghanistan chased down Zimbabwe's total of 80 with seven wickets to spare. The series was played without a DRS system, and no disciplinary outcome from the on-field exchange has been reported.
The players
Rashid Khan
Afghan leg-spinner and one of the most prominent players in T20 cricket worldwide, involved in the on-field exchange with Ryan Burl.
Ryan Burl
Zimbabwean all-rounder who scored 30 off 29 balls in the match and was involved in the confrontation with Rashid Khan.
Noor Ahmad
Afghan left-arm wrist spinner who took five wickets for 13 runs in the third T20I, his first five-wicket haul in T20I cricket.
The details
Rashid Khan blew a flying kiss to Ryan Burl after the two exchanged sharp words, and umpires Ahmad Shah Pakteen and Farooq Khan separated them. Burl had earlier been struck on the front pad after a missed reverse sweep and was dismissed lbw off Abdollah Ahmadzai for 30 off 29 balls. Ibrahim Zadran anchored Afghanistan's reply with an unbeaten 25.
Timeline
November 1, 2026: The third T20I was played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Season Trajectory
This sweep extends Afghanistan's recent pattern of asserting control over Zimbabwe in short-format cricket. The result strengthens Afghanistan's position in the bilateral series landscape ahead of future T20I fixtures.
For fans following the series, the result closes out the bilateral T20I contest with a clean sweep. Viewers who track player rivalries can note the Rashid Khan and Ryan Burl exchange as an on-field flashpoint from this series.
The takeaway
Afghanistan's clean sweep and Noor Ahmad's career-first five-wicket haul show the depth of the side's spin attack. Heated moments like the Rashid Khan and Ryan Burl exchange remain a reminder of how quickly competitive tension can spill over in short-format cricket.
Further reading
For more on how cricket rivalries play out off the field, see the Romance section.
