Afghanistan Beat Zimbabwe by 158 Runs

Zimbabwe’s heavy defeat to Afghanistan has made the equation more complicated for Bangladesh in the ongoing tri-nation ODI series. Afghanistan secured a comprehensive 158-run victory in Abu Dhabi on October 19, strengthening their chances of reaching the final.

Zimbabwe had been in a favourable position after defeating hosts Bangladesh by 99 runs in the opening match of the series. A victory in this match would have secured their place in the final, but a disastrous batting collapse saw them squander the opportunity.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 294 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Although opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz departed after scoring 25 off 20 balls, Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal stitched together an impressive 140-run partnership for the second wicket. Ibrahim fell just short of a century, scoring 90 off 96 balls, while Atal produced an impressive hundred, smashing 102 off 110 deliveries.

For Zimbabwe, Ernest Masuku was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets.

Chasing a daunting target of 295, Zimbabwe found themselves on the back foot early in the innings. They lost four top-order batters for just 43 runs on the scoreboard.

Captain Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl attempted to steady the innings with a 64-run partnership off 112 balls for the fifth wicket. However, leg-spinner Rashid Khan dismantled their resistance with a devastating spell. Burl was dismissed for 31, while Raza scored 48 before losing his wicket, as Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 136 runs.

Rashid Khan was the pick of the Afghan bowlers, claiming four crucial wickets for just 17 runs in his eight overs.