Atal and Rashid Guide Afghanistan to Dominant Win in UAE ODI Tri-Series

Afghanistan got their first win in the UAE ODI tri-series after beating Zimbabwe by 158 runs at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Monday. Sediqullah Atal led the batting effort with a century, while Rashid Khan took four wickets to help seal the victory.

Batting first, Afghanistan posted a big target of 295 after finishing their innings in 50 overs. Atal anchored the innings with 102 runs from 110 balls, hitting eight fours and one six. Besides him, Ibrahim Zadran also played well for his 90 off 96 deliveries, hitting nine fours and two sixes.

Apart from these two, Rahmanullah Gurbaz also played a steady hand of 25 runs, whereas middle order batter Hashmatullah Shahidi chipped in with 28 runs.

From the bowling perspective, Ernest Masuku and Brad Evans remained the key performers, as the duo picked up three wickets each. Besides them, Blessing Muzarabani took two wickets, while Sikandar Raza claimed one to help bowl Afghanistan out for 294 in the first innings.

Coming out to chase a big total in Abu Dhabi’s heat, Zimbabwe looked uncomfortable from the start of the innings. Their top order was blown away early in the Powerplay, courtesy of some fine bowling by Fazalhaq Farooqi and AM Ghazanfar.

Brian Bennett then tried to build a partnership with Sikandar Raza to get things back on track, but he also lost his wicket in the 13th over for 31 runs.

The skipper then held one end firmly to thwart the Afghan attack, but the other batters failed to provide him with the required support. They fell quickly due to Rashid Khan’s splendid bowling spell, which eventually turned the match in Afghanistan’s favor.

Sikandar Raza then lost his wicket in the 36th over, giving Afghanistan a huge edge to wrap up the contest quickly. As a result, Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 136 in the second innings, handing Afghanistan a big victory by 158 runs. Sediqullah Atal was then named Player of the Match, as his gritty hundred in the first innings built the platform for Afghanistan to dominate the contest.