Sediqullah Atal’s maiden ODI century helped Afghanistan secure a 232-run victory over Zimbabwe in Harare, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Atal scored 104 runs, complemented by Abdul Malik’s 84. Afghanistan posted 286-6, while Zimbabwe collapsed for 54 runs, highlighting their ongoing struggles in ODI cricket.
In a commanding display, Sediqullah Atal achieved his first one-day international century, propelling Afghanistan to a significant 232-run victory over Zimbabwe in Harare. Notably, Atal’s outstanding performance, which included a score of 104 runs, complemented by Abdul Malik’s 84 runs, led to a robust partnership of 191 for the first wicket. Afghanistan amassed a total of 286 for six within the allotted 50 overs. Zimbabwe’s innings faltered from the start, concluding at an alarming 54 runs in just 17.5 overs, as the Afghan bowlers, particularly Allah Ghazanfar, Naveed Zadran, and Fazalhaq Farooqi, dominated the match. Atal expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I am very happy with my performance and that of the team. We won a fantastic game of cricket.” Furthermore, Afghanistan captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, lauded the opener’s contributions and emphasized the team’s collective effort.
The match reflects Afghanistan’s growing prowess in international cricket, particularly in the ODI format. Recently entering the scene, players like Sediqullah Atal highlight the emergence of new talent capable of performing on a global stage. This victory not only marks a promising start to the series against Zimbabwe but also showcases the challenges faced by the Zimbabwean side, particularly their struggle with maintaining competitive scores in ODIs. Historically, Zimbabwe has faced difficulties in one-day formats, as evidenced by their record for low scores, diminishing their prospects in international matches.
This match serves as a significant milestone for both Sediqullah Atal and the Afghanistan cricket team, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the series against Zimbabwe. The remarkable scoring, combined with effective bowling, underscores Afghanistan’s strategic advancement in international cricket. Conversely, Zimbabwe’s continued struggles raise concerns about their competitive viability in the ODI format. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for their future successes.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
