Afghanistan appeared to be heading for a batting disaster after losing four wickets for just five runs. But Azmatullah Omarzai and Ijaz Ahmadzai produced a stunning counterattack to completely transform the innings.

Their record partnership helped Afghanistan recover from 5/4 and post 221/7 against Zimbabwe in the second T20I in Sharjah. Afghanistan then restricted Zimbabwe to 202/5 to win by 19 runs and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Afghanistan Collapse to 5/4

After being asked to bat first, Afghanistan endured a disastrous opening phase. Four wickets fell for only five runs, and the fifth wicket followed at 38.

At that stage, a modest total looked likely.

Then came an extraordinary recovery.

Omarzai and Ahmadzai Rewrite the Record Books

Azmatullah Omarzai and Ijaz Ahmadzai combined for a sensational 142-run partnership off 59 balls for the sixth wicket.

It is now the highest partnership for the sixth wicket or lower in men’s T20I cricket. The previous record was 139, scored by West Indies pair Andre Russell and Sherfane Rutherford against Australia in Perth in 2024.

Omarzai Smashes His Maiden T20I Century

Omarzai led the assault with a breathtaking 116 off 50 balls, including five fours and 12 sixes.

It was his maiden T20I century and made him the fourth Afghanistan batter to score a hundred in men’s T20Is. His strike rate was an extraordinary 232.

His innings accounted for more than half of Afghanistan's final total and completely changed the course of the match.

Ahmadzai Provides the Perfect Support

Ijaz Ahmadzai was equally important in the record stand, scoring 52 off 27 balls.

Even after the partnership ended, Afghanistan continued to attack. Captain Rashid Khan provided a spectacular finish, smashing an unbeaten 25 from just six balls, including four sixes, as Afghanistan reached 221/7.

Another Remarkable T20I Record

Afghanistan's recovery created another piece of history.

They became the first men's T20I team to score 200 or more after losing their first four wickets for fewer than 20 runs.

Going from 5/4 to 221/7 made Afghanistan's innings one of the most remarkable recoveries in recent T20I cricket.

Rashid Khan Reaches 200 T20I Wickets

Rashid Khan also made history during Zimbabwe's chase.

By dismissing Tadiwanashe Marumani lbw, the Afghanistan leg-spinner became the first bowler to reach 200 wickets in men's T20I cricket. He achieved the landmark in his 120th appearance in the format.

Sikandar Raza's Century Goes in Vain

Zimbabwe needed 222 to win and initially kept the chase alive. But after slipping to 82/5, they were in serious trouble.

Captain Sikandar Raza produced a brilliant response, smashing an unbeaten 106 from 56 balls. He also shared an unbeaten 120-run sixth-wicket partnership with Tafadzwa Tsiga.

However, Zimbabwe finished on 202/5, falling 19 runs short.

The victory gave Afghanistan an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with the final T20I scheduled for November 1.

From 5/4 to 221/7, Afghanistan's extraordinary recovery was powered by Omarzai and Ahmadzai. Their 142-run partnership not only rescued the innings but also created a new world record in men's T20I cricket.