Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by 73 runs to seal the historic ODI series
Afghanistan created history as they defeated Zimbabwe by 73 runs to seal the five-match one-day international series by 3-2 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. With this win, they became the first Associate Nation to beat an ICC Full Member in a series.
After winning the toss, Zimbabwean captain Elton Chigumbura decided to field first in the series decider. Afghan openers Noor Ali Zadran and Mohammad Shahzad gave a good solid start to the visitors.
Shahzad scored some quick-fire runs before he gave away his wicket by playing a loose pulled shot straight to midwicket. His innings of 26 runs which came in just 22 deliveries included five boundaries.
Zadran was well supported by the new batsman Mohammad Nabi, as they both partnered for patient 97 runs together. The two batsmen scored their half-centuries and fell shortly.
Captain Asghar Stanikzai came in next. The wickets kept falling on the other end, Stanikzai started playing extra carefully to stabilize the Afghan innings.
Stanikzai couldn't do much as he got out after making 38 runs. But he made sure Afghanistan reach a competitive total to stay in the competition.
For Zimbabwe, Wellington Masakadza and Sikandar Raza picked up three wickets each. Luke Jongwe and Tinashe Panyangara pocketed one each as the Afghan team made 254 in 50 overs.
Zimbabwe's batting line-up flopped fully besides Sean Williams, who scored his maiden ton. They were bowled out for 172 runs in 44.1 overs as Afghanistan wrote history in Bulawayo.
Face bowler Dawlat Zadaran picked four wickets in total as he cleared both the Zimbabwean openers and the last two batsmen to help Afghanistan reach a new milestone. Amir Hamza pocketed three wickets with Rashid Khan taking two and Mirwais Ashraf one.
Zadran was awarded Man-of-the-Match for his brilliant bowling performance. Mohammad Nabi was declared Man-of-the-Series for his 223 runs and 2 wickets in the five matches.
Back home, Afghanistan crowd erupted in joy as they saw their team making history in cricket.