Afghanistan secured an eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the third ODI, with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi praising his team’s collective responsibility. Key performances by AM Ghazanfar, who took five wickets, and Sediqullah Atal, who scored a half-century, propelled Afghanistan to a 2-0 lead in the series after the first match was abandoned due to rain.
Following Afghanistan’s resounding eight-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in the third One Day International (ODI) match, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi emphasized the importance of team responsibility and understanding of roles among his players. The match, held at Harare Sports Club, showcased exceptional performances by AM Ghazanfar, who took five wickets, and Sediqullah Atal, who secured a half-century, leading Afghanistan to clinch a comprehensive 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The opening match had previously been abandoned due to inclement weather.
In the post-match presentation, Shahidi expressed his satisfaction with the team’s overall performance across all facets of the game. He lauded Ghazanfar for his outstanding contributions in the bowling department, stating, “I am very happy with the way the team performed in all three departments… Everyone knows their role. So that’s the reason… Ghazanfar… is doing very well for the team.”
Shahidi further commended the efforts of Atal and Abdul Malik, describing their contributions as “fantastic” and expressing hope that they would maintain their form in the upcoming Champions Trophy. He highlighted the synergy between the young and senior players, stating that their collective efforts contributed to the team’s success.
In the match recap, Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bowl first, successfully restricting Zimbabwe to a modest total of 127 runs, with Sean Williams as the standout batsman scoring 60 runs. Ghazanfar spearheaded the bowling attack, achieving a remarkable five-wicket haul, complemented by Rashid Khan’s three wickets. Afghanistan then chased down the target comfortably, with solid contributions from Atal and Malik, ultimately securing victory with contributions from Rahmat Shah and Shahidi in the closing stages of the innings.
Although Zimbabwe struggled with their bowling performance, only Richard Ngarava and Trevor Gwandu managed to secure wickets. Moving forward, Shahidi is optimistic about leveraging the team’s momentum into a successful Champions Trophy campaign.
The article provides an overview of Afghanistan’s recent cricket match against Zimbabwe, focusing on the team’s victory in the third ODI of a three-match series. It encapsulates the captain’s reflections on the performance, individual contributions, and the team’s strategy. The context includes the team’s prior match’s abandonment due to rain and highlights the significance of the victory in establishing the team’s strength going into future tournaments, including the Champions Trophy.
In conclusion, Afghanistan’s victory over Zimbabwe not only underscores the team’s growing prowess in the ODI format but also reflects Shahidi’s leadership and the squad’s dedication to understanding their roles within the team. With strong individual performances, particularly from Ghazanfar and Atal, the team is poised for future success as they prepare for upcoming challenges such as the Champions Trophy. The harmonious blend of junior and senior players serves as a solid foundation for Afghanistan’s cricketing aspirations.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
