Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by 158 runs in the second match of the Bangladesh-hosted tri-nation series, but a controversial dead-ball decision involving Zimbabwe batter Brian Bennett sparked debate during the one-sided contest.
According to cricket website CricX, Afghanistan batted first and posted 294 runs in their allotted overs, with Sediqullah Atal scoring a brilliant century. In reply, Zimbabwe suffered an early collapse, losing three wickets for just 26 runs when the controversial incident involving Bennett occurred.
Afghan fast bowler Azmatullah Omarzai delivered the final ball of the eighth over on a good length. The delivery stayed low and beat Bennett’s bat before hitting the stumps and dislodging the bails. However, Bennett immediately raised concerns with the umpire, arguing that his concentration had been disrupted when a towel fell from Omarzai’s trousers during the bowler’s run-up.
After considering the situation, the umpire called a dead ball, meaning Bennett was not given out despite the ball hitting the stumps. The decision appeared to frustrate the Afghan players, who reportedly argued that Bennett had remained in position and was ready to play the delivery despite the towel falling.
They questioned the decision to call the ball dead. A lengthy discussion followed between players from both sides before the match resumed in accordance with the umpire’s ruling. Although Afghanistan secured a convincing 158-run victory, the incident involving Bennett became a major talking point, drawing attention away from the team’s dominant performance.