Rampaging Zazai blasts ton as Afghanistan win T20 series

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Hazratullah Zazai, the left-handed Afghanistani opener, struck an unbeaten 162 off just 62 deliveries helping Afghanistan to win the Twenty20 International cricket series against Ireland.

The 20-year-ol Zazai struck the second-highest individual score in T20 internationals, behind Aaron Finch’s 172 against Zimbabwe.

Afghanistan registered the highest ever team total in T20 internationals, posting 278 for the loss of thre wickets. Partner Usman Ghani (73 off 48 deliveries) supported Zazai in a partnership of 236 runs, which is also a record.

Ireland tried to have a go at the target, with opener Paul Stirling hitting the first ball of the innings for a six, piling an opening stand of 126 with Kevin O’Brien. Stirling was eventually out for 91 off 50 deliveries. Ireland ended up at 194 for 6, their highest team score in T20 internationals.

Afghanistan won the first T20 match by five wickets, with Mohammed Nabi’s all-round performance – 2 wickets for 16 runs and an unbeaten 49 with the bat. This match was a low-scoring encounter with Ireland scoring 132 for the loss of six wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Afghanistan overtook it with four balls to spare.

The third T20 international is just of academic interest.