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Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 in back-to-back decisive wins following the washout of the opening match in the three-match ODI series. In the last ODI, the visitors put on another strong show that demonstrated their supremacy in every area. This year, the Afghanistan team won the white-ball series for the sixth time in a row. Afghanistan chose to bowl first after winning the toss, and their choice was immediately successful. In the power-play, Zimbabwe was reduced to 38/3 by the bowlers' early strikes.
The Afghanistan side was able to dictate conditions since the hosts lacked intent. Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams, two of Zimbabwe's best players, attempted to steady the innings. Rashid Khan's arrival, however, was pivotal as he removed Raza and severely damaged the hosts' shaky batting order.
Allah Ghazanfar's stunning performance
Allah Ghazanfar, whose enigmatic spin left Zimbabwe's batters perplexed, was the innings' star. Ghazanfar destroyed the middle and lower order with a five-wicket haul during an incredible ten-over spell. Williams was the only player to show any fight, scoring a solid fifty, but his withdrawal and attempt to speed sealed Zimbabwe's doom. With three wickets, Rashid helped the hosts be bowled out for a pitiful 127.
Afghanistan's batters showed poise as they chased a modest target. Richard Ngarava led Zimbabwe's seamers to a strong start by taking advantage of the swaying conditions. Abdul Malik held one end for a time despite struggling at the crease. Conversely, Sediqullah Atal played with poise and confidence as he maintained his stellar play. The southpaw reached a superb fifty before Bennett made a spectacular catch after he rotated the strike nicely and punished weak deliveries.
Afghanistan was firmly in control by the time Malik was dismissed. Rahmat Shah and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi made sure there were no more setbacks by forming a solid connection that made it easy to pursue down the target. Afghanistan ended the series in spectacular fashion with a resounding 8-wicket victory.
It was again another underwhelming batting performance for Zimbabwe. Just four players were able to score ten or more. As they prepare for the first Boxing Day Test to be played in Zimbabwe since 1996 in Bulawayo, the hosts must solve their batting problems. As they continue to discover promising players like Atal and Ghazanfar, Afghanistan's steady performances auger well for their Champions Trophy preparations.
