Afghanistan secured a 2-0 ODI series victory over Zimbabwe with an eight-wicket win in the final match in Harare, thanks to a stellar performance by teenage spinner AM Ghazanfar, who took 5-33. The series saw Zimbabwe struggle with their batting, being dismissed for 54 in the second ODI and managing only 127 in the third. The teams will now face off in a two-match Test series starting Thursday, featuring Zimbabwe’s first home Boxing Day Test.
In the decisive third one-day international match held in Harare, Afghanistan’s teenage spinner, AM Ghazanfar, excelled by taking 5 wickets for 33 runs, leading his team to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe. This triumph allowed Afghanistan to secure the ODI series 2-0, as the opening match had been abandoned due to rain. Zimbabwe struggled to find their footing, folding for just 127 runs in 30.1 overs, with Sean Williams being the standout performer, scoring 60 runs.
Afghanistan, having bowled Zimbabwe out for merely 54 runs in the previous ODI, faced slightly tougher competition but chased down their target comfortably, losing only two wickets in 26.5 overs. Sediqullah Atal played a crucial role, contributing 52 runs off 50 balls, adding to his earlier century in the second match. Following this ODI series, the teams are set to engage in a two-match Test series, commencing on Thursday, which will feature Zimbabwe’s first home Boxing Day Test since their draw with England in 1996.
The ODI series between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe highlighted the growing skills and competitiveness of Afghanistan’s cricket team on the international stage. AM Ghazanfar, at the age of 18, has emerged as a promising talent, showcasing remarkable prowess in spin bowling. Zimbabwe, historically a competitive team, faced challenges during this series, notably with their batting lineup failing to perform consistently. This series served as a critical platform for both teams, setting the stage for the upcoming Test series that promises to be significant for Zimbabwe, particularly due to its historical context of the Boxing Day Test.
In summary, Afghanistan’s victory in the third ODI against Zimbabwe marked a pivotal moment for their cricket team, showcasing the talents of young players like AM Ghazanfar. The series not only underscored the resilience of Afghanistan’s cricket but also set the foundation for an anticipated Test series. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will need to rethink their strategy as they prepare for the upcoming matches to regain their competitive edge.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
