Afghanistan secured an eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the third ODI match, led by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. Notable performances included AM Ghazanfar’s five wickets and Sediqullah Atal’s half-century. With this win, Afghanistan claimed a 2-0 lead in the series and is looking to carry this momentum into the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Following the successful outcome of the third One Day International (ODI) match against Zimbabwe, Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting that every player understands their responsibilities and roles within the squad. The victory was solidified with an impressive five-wicket haul from AM Ghazanfar and a key half-century from Sediqullah Atal, leading to an eight-wicket triumph for Afghanistan at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
With this victory, Afghanistan secured a 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, after the first match ended without a result due to continuous rain. During the post-match press conference, Shahidi commended his team’s excellence across all phases of the game and specifically praised Ghazanfar’s extraordinary bowling performance. He commented, “I am very happy with the way the team performed in all three departments… Everyone takes responsibility. Everyone knows their role.”
Shahidi further emphasized the contributions of players such as Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik, who performed exceptionally well throughout the series. He expressed hope that their form would carry into the upcoming Champions Trophy. “Look at Sediq (Atal) and Malik. These two have batted in this ODI series was also fantastic… the combination of both senior and youngsters is good for the team,” he added.
In the match recap, Afghanistan elected to bowl first after winning the toss, with Sean Williams emerging as Zimbabwe’s standout performer, scoring 60 runs. However, Zimbabwe collapsed to 127 all out amid consistent pressure from the Afghan bowlers, particularly Ghazanfar, who claimed five wickets in 10 overs with an economical rate.
During Afghanistan’s chase, Atal contributed significantly with 52 runs, forming a strong opening partnership with Malik, who added 29 runs. Eventually, Shahidi and Rahmat Shah closed the innings unbeaten, sealing the victory decisively. In stark contrast, Zimbabwe’s bowling was uninspired, with only Richard Ngarava and Trevor Gwandu managing to take wickets in the second innings.
Overall, the Afghanistan team displayed impressive teamwork and skill, setting a positive tone as they prepare for future competitions, including the Champions Trophy.
The Afghanistan cricket team has been gaining recognition in the international arena, showcasing significant improvement in its performances, particularly in limited-overs cricket. Winning a series against established teams, such as Zimbabwe, illustrates the team’s potential and growth in skills and teamwork. The integration of young talents alongside experienced players signifies a robust strategy adopted by the team management, aiming for consistency and excellence in upcoming tournaments.
In conclusion, the Afghanistan cricket team demonstrated remarkable skill and teamwork in their recent victory over Zimbabwe, with key performances from Ghazanfar and Atal. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi’s insights into the team’s dynamic reveal a balanced mix of seasoned veterans and emerging players, designed to foster success. As they build momentum heading into the Champions Trophy, Afghanistan appears poised for a formidable showing in future contests.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
