AM Ghazanfar Stars with Five Wickets as Afghanistan Secures ODI Series Against Zimbabwe
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Harare, December 21 (NationPress) Teenage spinner AM Ghazanfar delivered an outstanding performance, recording figures of 5-33, which guided Afghanistan to an impressive eight-wicket win against Zimbabwe in the third ODI held at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday. This victory secured a 2-0 series win for Afghanistan, marking the sixth consecutive ODI series triumph over Zimbabwe.
Choosing to field first, Afghanistan dismantled Zimbabwe's vulnerable batting order, bowling them out for 127 in just 30.1 overs. Ghazanfar, at only 18 years old, bowled his complete quota of overs to dominate Zimbabwe's batting lineup, achieving his second ODI five-wicket haul in merely 11 matches.
Providing solid backup to the Player of the Match Ghazanfar was the renowned leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who claimed 3-38. For Zimbabwe, veteran batsman Sean Williams was the standout performer, scoring 60 runs off 61 balls, including six fours and three sixes, serving as the backbone for the hosts.
In response, Afghanistan chased down the target in 26.5 overs, despite losing two wickets. Opener Sediqullah Atal made a significant contribution with 52 runs off 50 balls, featuring four fours and two sixes, following his impressive 104 in the second ODI.
Atal partnered with Abdul Malik (29) for an 84-run opening stand, while Rahmat Shah (17 not out) and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (20 not out) ensured a smooth finish to the match. Atal was also honored with the Player of the Series award in this remarkable series victory, noting that the first ODI was abandoned due to rain.
Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are set to face off in a two-match Test series beginning in Bulawayo on Thursday. This will also mark Zimbabwe’s first Boxing Day Test at home since a rain-affected draw against England in 1996.
Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 127/10 (Sean Williams 60; AM Ghazanfar 5-33, Rashid Khan 3-38) lost to Afghanistan 131/2 (Sediqullah Atal 52; Trevor Gwandu 1-27, Richard Ngarava 1-32) by eight wickets
