Sediqullah Atal’s maiden ODI century and a stellar bowling effort lead Afghanistan to a record 232-run victory over Zimbabwe in Harare.
Introduction:
Afghanistan recorded their biggest-ever ODI win by runs with a resounding 232-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second ODI in Harare. Sediqullah Atal’s maiden ODI century, a solid knock from Abdul Malik, and a lethal bowling display sealed the match, giving Afghanistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after the first match was washed out.
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Sediqullah Atal and Malik Shine with the Bat
Afghanistan’s young openers, Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik, laid the foundations for the commanding win. Put in to bat on a bright morning, the duo combined for a monumental 191-run opening stand, setting the tone for the innings. Atal scored a masterful 104, converting his maiden ODI fifty into a memorable century, while Malik chipped in with an impressive 84.
The start was a bit of a jittery affair with the first five boundaries coming off the edges. However, the pair immediately settled into their rhythm after some time. Malik’s sharp drives and Atal’s precision punches through the gaps began wearing down the Zimbabwean bowling attack. Malik reached his maiden half-century in 69 balls and soon celebrated it with a massive six over deep backward square leg and Atal brought up his fifty in 81 balls with a flurry of boundaries.
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Atal’s sixes off Sean Williams’ bowling were a highlight, showing his confidence and control as he approached his milestone. He brought up his maiden hundred in the 42nd over with a powerful six over deep backward square leg, celebrating with raised arms and a bow to the ground. Although both openers fell later in the innings, their contributions ensured Afghanistan posted a formidable 286 for 6.
Zimbabwe Struggles to Contain Afghanistan
Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled with inconsistency, conceding 40 extras over the innings. Left-arm pacer Newman Nyamhuri offered some resistance, dismissing Malik with a deceptive slower delivery and later taking Atal’s wicket. However, the hosts missed the presence of Blessing Muzarabani, as his replacement Tinotenda Maposa limped off the field mid-spell with a pulled quadriceps, further weakening their attack.
Hashmatullah Shahidi and Mohammad Nabi provided late impetus, ensuring Afghanistan’s total would challenge Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.
Afghanistan’s Bowlers Dominate Zimbabwe
Defending 286, Afghanistan’s bowlers wasted no time dismantling Zimbabwe’s batting order. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai utilized the new ball to devastating effect, exploiting swing and variable bounce to leave Zimbabwe reeling.
Farooqi struck early with a direct hit from Hashmatullah Shahidi, running out Ben Curran for a duck. His outswingers proved unplayable, dismissing Tadiwanashe Marumani and Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine. Omarzai complemented Farooqi’s brilliance with a lethal inswinger that removed Dion Myers, caught expertly at first slip by Atal.
Zimbabwe’s top order crumbled, reduced to 11 for 4 within the powerplay. Offspinner AM Ghazanfar compounded their woes, picking up two quick wickets in his first over. Naveed Zadran cleaned up the lower order, taking three wickets for just nine runs, as Zimbabwe folded for a paltry 54.
Key Performances
Sediqullah Atal’s Century: Atal’s 104 anchored Afghanistan’s innings and provided the stability and momentum needed to post a daunting total.
Abdul Malik’s Support Role: Malik’s 84 showcased his ability to partner effectively, putting Zimbabwe under early pressure.
Fazalhaq Farooqi’s Swing Mastery: Farooqi’s new-ball spell decimated Zimbabwe’s top order, finishing with crucial early wickets.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s Consistency: Omarzai’s inswingers and precision added to Zimbabwe’s struggles at the crease.
Naveed Zadran’s Impact: Zadran’s spell wrapped up the innings efficiently, ensuring
Afghanistan’s dominance. Zimbabwe’s Missed Opportunity
Zimbabwe lacked partnerships and was unable to play against Afghanistan’s swing, which came at a terrible cost. There was no anchor for the innings, as Heinrich Klaasen was still absent, and injuries hurt their cause further when Maposa exited early to leave the attack severely depleted.
Historic Victory
This was Afghanistan’s biggest-ever win in the ODIs by runs-a testament to their rising glory in international cricket. Young and inexperienced openers got ample opportunity due to the unavailability of seniors like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, and one saw Afghanistan’s bench depth.
Future Ahead
The fact that the series is already in Afghanistan’s favor has left Zimbabwe with a stiff challenge to avoid whitewash in the final ODI. For Afghanistan, it seals their confidence and demonstrates how ready they are to face tougher challenges ahead.