Afghanistan secured a commanding eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the third ODI at Harare Sports Club on Saturday, clinching the three-match series 2-0. The first match had been abandoned due to rain, but dominant performances in the second and third ODIs ensured Afghanistan’s series win.

AfghanAtalan Completed Six Consecutive White-Ball Series Victories in 2024 🙌

Following #AfghanAtalan's 2-0 victory in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, they have completed six consecutive series victories this year. 👍

The winning streak began in March when they defeated… pic.twitter.com/NGwPFcabNg
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 21, 2024

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Afghanistan’s decision paid off as they dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting lineup, bundling them out for just 127 runs in 31 overs. Spinner AM Ghazanfar led the charge, delivering a sensational spell of 10 overs, claiming five wickets for 33 runs at an impressive economy rate of 3.30. Rashid Khan provided excellent support, picking up three wickets in his eight-over spell.

ALSO READ

Zimbabwe struggled to build partnerships, with Sean Williams being the lone warrior for the hosts. Williams scored a valiant 60 off 61 balls, which included six fours and three sixes, but found little support from the rest of the batting order. Sikandar Raza (13 off 18 balls) and Ben Curran (12 off 31 balls) were the only other batters to reach double figures.

In response, Afghanistan’s openers laid a solid foundation, making light work of the modest target. Sediqullah Atal scored an aggressive 52 off 50 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, while Abdul Malik added a steady 29 off 66 balls. The pair forged an 84-run opening partnership, easing the pressure on the middle order.

The talented left-hand top-order batter, Sediqullah Atal, was honored as the Player of the Series for his remarkable performance with the bat, scoring 156 runs at an impressive average of 78.00, including a century and a half-century to his name. 👏 #AfghanAtalan | #ZIMvAFG |… pic.twitter.com/knr6ZTdAck
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 21, 2024

Rahmat Shah (17* off 23 balls) and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (20* off 22 balls) finished the job with an unbeaten partnership, guiding Afghanistan to 128/2 in just 24.2 overs and securing the comprehensive win.

Zimbabwe’s bowling attack had little impact, with only Richard Ngarava and Trevor Gwandu managing to take a wicket each. The hosts’ inability to apply pressure with the ball mirrored their struggles with the bat, resulting in a one-sided contest.

Ghazanfar’s match-winning five-wicket haul earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award, highlighting his crucial role in Afghanistan’s victory. Meanwhile, Sediqullah Atal was named ‘Player of the Series’ for his consistent contributions with the bat throughout the series.

AM Ghazanfar was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance, taking 5 wickets for 33 runs in 10 overs. 👏🏅 #AfghanAtalan | #ZIMvAFG | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/37jVXunEyn
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 21, 2024

Brief score: