AM Ghazanfar's Five-Wicket Haul Leads Afghanistan to ODI Series Victory Against Zimbabwe
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Harare, December 21 (NationPress) Teenage spinner AM Ghazanfar showcased his talent with remarkable bowling figures of 5-33, leading Afghanistan to an eight-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in the third ODI held at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday, successfully securing a 2-0 series victory. This achievement marks the sixth consecutive ODI series triumph for Afghanistan over Zimbabwe.
Choosing to bowl first, Afghanistan swiftly dismantled Zimbabwe's vulnerable batting order, restricting them to just 127 runs in 30.1 overs. Ghazanfar, at just 18 years old, bowled his full quota without interruption, dominating the Zimbabwean batsmen and achieving his second five-wicket haul in only 11 ODI matches.
Providing significant support to the Player of the Match, Ghazanfar, was top leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who claimed 3-38. Zimbabwe's Sean Williams was the standout performer for the hosts, scoring 60 runs off 61 deliveries, which included six boundaries and three sixes.
In response, Afghanistan chased down the target in 26.5 overs, despite losing two wickets. Opener Sediqullah Atal contributed 52 runs off 50 balls, featuring four fours and two sixes, following his impressive 104 in the second ODI.
Atal formed a solid opening partnership of 84 runs with Abdul Malik (29) before Rahmat Shah (17 not out) and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (20 not out) completed the run chase effectively. Atal also received the Player of the Series accolade in Afghanistan's commanding series victory after the first ODI was abandoned due to rain.
Looking ahead, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are set to engage in a two-match Test series commencing in Bulawayo on Thursday. This match will mark Zimbabwe's first Boxing Day Test at home since their 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
