Afghanistan wins their 6th straight ODI series against Zimbabwe as Ghazanfar’s five-wicket haul and Atal’s fifty seal a commanding eight-wicket victory in Harare.
Introduction:
Afghanistan proved their supremacy over Zimbabwe once again, wrapping up a 2-0 series win with an authoritative eight-wicket victory in the third ODI at Harare. Sediqullah Atal continued his good form with a fluent half-century, while young spinner AM Ghazanfar’s five-wicket haul dismantled Zimbabwe, as the visitors chased down 128 in just 27 overs.
See also: Sediqullah Atal’s Maiden Century 104 Powers Afghanistan to Record ODI Win
This victory marked Afghanistan’s sixth consecutive ODI series victory against Zimbabwe. The team only had a drawn series against Zimbabwe, and that was in 2014.
Afghanistan’s Chase Led by Atal
Afghanistan chased a modest target of 128, opening cautiously and scoring only 15 runs in the first six overs. Sediqullah Atal, off a century in the second ODI, gave the impetus, scoring 52 off 50 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes in attacking Zimbabwean bowlers to speed up the innings.
Though Abdul Malik was not able to find much rhythm, the two got through an 83-run opening stand. Malik got out for 29, chopping a Richard Ngarava delivery onto his stumps, and Atal got out soon after to a brilliant catch by Brian Bennett. But the foundation had been laid by then. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah calmly steered Afghanistan home with 23 overs to spare.
Ghazanfar Spins a Web
The hero of the day was undoubtedly 18-year-old offspinner AM Ghazanfar, who claimed his second five-wicket haul in just 11 ODI matches. Ghazanfar bowled his entire quota of 10 overs in a single spell, taking 5 for 33 and breaking the back of Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Shahidi’s decision proved spot-on as Afghanistan’s seamers kept the pressure on Zimbabwe’s openers. Fareed Ahmed and Azmatullah Omarzai bowled with discipline, conceding just six runs in the first five overs.
The spinners then took over, and Zimbabwe’s innings unraveled quickly. Ghazanfar’s carrom balls and Rashid Khan’s deceptive googlies left Zimbabwe’s batters clueless.
Zimbabwe’s Batting Woes
Zimbabwe’s innings was a tale of collapses and brief resistance. The team lost three wickets for just five runs in the seventh and eighth overs, starting with Joylord Gumbie top-edging a sweep off Ghazanfar to short fine-leg.
Zimbabwe’s struggles against spin continued as Craig Ervine and Ben Curran departed to dubious umpiring decisions, with no DRS available in the series to overturn the calls. Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams attempted a brief recovery, but Raza was dismissed lbw for 13 by Rashid Khan in the 16th over, triggering another collapse. Zimbabwe lost five wickets for 29 runs in just nine overs, falling to 89 for 8.
Williams was the lone warrior, scoring a gritty 60 off 57 balls, with six boundaries and two sixes. He brought up his 36th ODI fifty, adding a 30-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Ngarava. His innings ended when he misjudged a reverse sweep off Rashid, caught at slip by Mohammad Nabi.
Ghazanfar’s Magical Spell
Ghazanfar’s full repertoire of spin was then on full display as left-handers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wellington Masakadza were cleaned up in the same over with his carrom ball, leaving a gaping hole between bat and pad. Both tried to play ambitious shots well across the line.
Ghazanfar complemented his five-for, dismissing Newman Nyamhuri, who top-edged a delivery to slip, to restrict Zimbabwe to 127. His accuracy to extract turn and bounce on the Harare pitch was pivotal in their cause.
Rashid Support and Seamers Control
But then there was Rashid Khan as well, the craftiest of them all. 3 for 38 his bag read, ensuring no comfort for Zimbabwe’s batting. Fareed Ahmed and Omarzai too, chipped in. Tight lines, making full use of early swing, helped the Afghan team out of a tough spot.
Zimbabwe’s Year to Forget
This loss topped off a tough year for Zimbabwe. Their collective ODI batting average of 14.22 in 2023 is the lowest this side has ever recorded, and injures and inconsistent performances didn’t really help their cause along the course of the series.
A Sunny Future for Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s success also ensured that they led Zimbabwe in bilateral ODIs by 6-0 series wins. Youngsters Sediqullah Atal and AM Ghazanfar have shown the depth in the Afghanistan squad, while experienced ones like Rashid Khan continue to deliver.
The win further showed Afghanistan’s growing confidence and readiness to compete with stronger teams, with their eyes on future ICC tournaments.