Afghans take first T20I

Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by five runs in a thrilling Twenty20 clash on Friday to follow their triumph in the one-day series.

Chasing 188 to win, Zimbabwe fell just short when Luke Jongwe, needing a six to win, was dismissed off the last ball of the match.

It was a controversial finish, however, after Afghanistan seamer Dawlat Zadran was allowed to keep bowling the final over despite having sent down two waist-high full tosses.

Jongwe was caught by Gulbadin Naib out in the deep to leave Zimbabwe on 182-7 in their 20 overs.

Malcolm Waller was the not out batsman on 49 with two sixes and two boundaries off 37 balls.

Afghanistan had won the toss and chose to bat, making 187-7 in their 20 overs.

"It's a funny game. The dew was too much, that's why the two beamers," Stanikzai said. "Otherwise he's a good bowler."

The second and final match takes place at the same venue on Sunday.

SCORES IN BRIEF
AFGHANISTAN: 187 for 7 in 20 overs (Ghani 42, Naib 37; Cremer 3-17)
ZIMBABWE: 182 for 7 in 20 overs (Waller 49 not out, Masakadza 33; Zadran 3-32)
Result: Afghanistan won by five runs