Azmatullah Omarzai scripts history after walking in at 5/4, smashes T20I world record

Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai scripted history with a breathtaking century, smashing a T20I world record to rescue his team after a disastrous start. Walking in at 5/4, Omarzai powered his way to 116 runs off just 50 deliveries, striking 12 sixes and achieving a remarkable strike rate of 232. His record-breaking knock surpassed the previous mark of 89 set by Mohammad Nabi against Ireland in 2017, and elevated him ahead of Sam Billings, Cameron White and David Miller on the list of top individual scores in T20Is involving Full Member nations.

Omarzai's monumental innings came to an end in the 19th over, but his contribution played a pivotal role in Afghanistan's recovery. Playing with Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, they combined for a remarkable 142 runs for the sixth wicket in just 59 balls. Ijaz's blistering 52 off 27 deliveries helped set the tone for the recovery, including five fours and three sixes. The partnership was eventually broken, but Omarzai's innings proved to be one of the finest rescue acts in Afghanistan's T20I history.

Afghanistan's innings was brought to an end at 221/7, scoring at an impressive rate of 11.05 runs per over. Captain Rashid Khan added 25 off just six balls, including four sixes, providing a spectacular finish. Mujeeb Ur Rahman stayed not out on two as Afghanistan closed the innings with a resounding victory. Despite Zimbabwe's determined effort, led by captain Sikandar Raza's two centuries, they ultimately fell short, with Afghanistan's early batting collapse now a distant memory.