AFGHANISTAN’s dominance over Zimbabwe was on full display on Saturday as they clinched a convincing 2-0 series victory in the third and final One Day International (ODI) at Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe’s batting struggles continued to plague them, with only Sean Williams’ valiant 60-ball 61 offering any resistance to Afghanistan’s relentless attack. The hosts were eventually bowled out for a meagre 127 in just 30.1 overs, with only three other batsmen – Sikandar Raza, Ben Curran, and Richard Ngarava – managing to score in double figures.
Afghanistan’s spin duo of AM Ghazanfar and Rashid Khan wreaked havoc on the Zimbabwean batting lineup, with Ghazanfar claiming five wickets for 33 runs in 10 overs and Khan chipping in with three scalps. The visitors then made light work of the target, chasing it down with 139 balls to spare and losing only two wickets in the process.
Opener Sediqullah Atal top-scored with 52 off 50 balls before being dismissed by a stunning catch from Brian Bennett, while Abdul Malik and skipper Hashmatullah Shahid chipped in with 29 and 20 runs respectively.
Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine acknowledged the gulf in class between the two teams, praising Afghanistan’s quality bowling and batting.
“We found it tough throughout the series, but credit to Afghanistan, they were brilliant with the bat, ball, and spin,” he said.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahid was over the moon with his team’s performance, praising their consistency and teamwork. “I’m very happy with the way the team performed in all three departments. Everyone takes responsibility and knows their role, which is why we’re doing so well,” he said.
The focus now shifts to the two-match Test series, which gets underway on Boxing Day in Bulawayo. Can Zimbabwe bounce back and give Afghanistan a run for their money?
