Key wickets for Rashid Khan as Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe in first T20I

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Sussex Sharks' Vitality Blast overseas star, Rashid Khan took three wickets for Afghanistan as they cruised to a 48-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first T20I of a three-match series between the sides in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

After taking eleven wickets in nearly 100 overs during the second Test between the sides last week, the Rashid's workload was significantly reduced this time out, but the leg-spinner still had time to make a significant impact on the game.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Afghanistan made an imposing 198 for 5. The bulk of their runs came from wicketkeeper and opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz (87) and captain Asghar Afghan (55). Batting at number five, Rashid chipped in with seven from three balls at the death.

Rashid was introudced in the 12th over of the Zimbabwe chase and bowled his four overs in one spell. He removed Zimbabawe opener and top-scorer Tinashe Kamunhukamwe (44) with his second ball and took two wickets in three balls in his final over on his way to figures of 3 for 28. Zimbabwe finished on 150 for 7, well short of their target.

The second match of the series takes place at the same venue on Friday.