Afghanistan secured a 2-0 ODI series victory over Zimbabwe, winning the final match by eight wickets. Teenage spinner AM Ghazanfar starred with 5-33, bolstering Afghanistan’s bowling attack that bowled Zimbabwe out for 127. Sediqullah Atal’s 52 runs led Afghanistan to an easy chase. The teams will face each other in a two-match Test series starting Thursday, marking an important cricketing occasion for Zimbabwe.
In a decisive performance, teenage spinner AM Ghazanfar captured 5 wickets for 33 runs, leading Afghanistan to an impressive eight-wicket triumph over Zimbabwe in the third and final One Day International (ODI) match. Afghanistan, opting to field first, effectively dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting order, restricting them to a mere 127 runs in 30.1 overs. Ghazanfar’s efforts complemented Rashid Khan, who also shone with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 38 runs. Sean Williams emerged as the lone standout for Zimbabwe, top-scoring with 60 runs.
In the previous ODI, Zimbabwe faced a dismal outing, collapsing for just 54 runs, marking significant room for improvement in their batting performance. Nevertheless, their total in the third ODI was not substantial enough to pose a serious challenge to the Afghan team, which efficiently chased down the target, losing only two wickets in 26.5 overs. Opener Sediqullah Atal contributed significantly to the successful chase, scoring 52 runs off 50 deliveries, following his earlier century in the second match.
Looking ahead, both teams are set to compete in a two-match Test series scheduled to commence on Thursday. This series marks a historic occasion for Zimbabwe as it will feature their first home Boxing Day Test since a draw with England in 1996, showcasing the growing significance of cricket in the region.
The recent ODI series between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe has highlighted the competitive spirit and potential of both teams, particularly that of Afghanistan, which has been making significant strides in international cricket. The series was composed of three matches, with the first encounter being abandoned due to rain. The competitive nature of the ODIs provided a platform for younger players like AM Ghazanfar to showcase their talents on the international stage, illustrating the development of cricket in Afghanistan. The forthcoming Test series adds further layers of excitement and historical significance, especially for Zimbabwe, which seeks to build on its cricketing legacy.
In conclusion, Afghanistan’s commanding performance in the ODI series against Zimbabwe underscores their growing prowess in international cricket, largely attributed to emerging talents like AM Ghazanfar. Their victory in the series, particularly the final match where they triumphed by eight wickets, sets a promising tone for the upcoming Test matches. With a rich history coming into play, the forthcoming Test series is anticipated to be a significant event for both teams, especially for Zimbabwe in the context of their cricketing heritage.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
