Afghanistan Crush Zimbabwe to Win ODI Tri-Series Final

Afghanistan completed an unbeaten ODI tri-series campaign with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the final in the UAE. After dismissing Zimbabwe for 169 in 43.3 overs, Afghanistan reached 170 for 3 in 34.3 overs, led by Ibrahim Zadran’s unbeaten 79 and a disciplined bowling display headed by Rashid Khan.

The result delivered the tri-series title for Afghanistan after a clinical all-round performance. Zimbabwe had opted to bat but could not build enough substantial partnerships around Sikandar Raza, whose 68 was the standout contribution in an innings repeatedly checked by Afghanistan’s bowlers.

Afghanistan bowlers keep Zimbabwe to 169

Zimbabwe’s innings began cautiously and quickly ran into trouble. Brian Bennett struck a couple of boundaries but made nine from 21 balls before Azmatullah Omarzai removed him. Fazalhaq Farooqi had already bowled Tadiwanashe Marumani and then sent Tafadzwa Tsiga back cheaply, leaving Zimbabwe at 26 for 3 in the seventh over.

Bilal Sami added to the pressure when Brendan Taylor edged behind, with Zimbabwe reduced to 55 for 4. Raza and Ryan Burl then put together the innings’ most significant recovery, sharing a 60-run partnership. Raza worked his way to a hard-earned half-century, his 27th in ODIs, while Burl contributed 31 from 45 balls.

Mohammad Nabi ended that stand by having Burl caught at deep square leg and soon followed up by stumping Wessly Madhevere. The wicket was Nabi’s 300th in international cricket, a landmark reached during another influential spell for Afghanistan.

Raza continued to fight as wickets fell around him, but Rashid took charge late in the innings. He trapped Brad Evans lbw, bowled Newman Nyamhuri and then dismissed Raza at long-off shortly after the Zimbabwe batter had struck him for six. Raza’s 68 was the backbone of the total, but Afghanistan’s attack prevented Zimbabwe from gaining lasting momentum.

Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza added 32 for the final wicket before Sami broke the stand. Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 169, with Rashid returning 3 for 41. Nabi took 2 for 25, while Farooqi and Sami also picked up two wickets each.

Zadran anchors controlled title-winning chase

Afghanistan made a brisk start in response, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz taking on Zimbabwe’s bowlers alongside Zadran. Gurbaz hit four fours and two sixes in a 31-ball 36 before Nyamhuri had him caught at backward point. Nyamhuri then dismissed Sediqullah Atal for six, briefly giving Zimbabwe an opening.

Zadran, however, remained composed and ensured the chase stayed under control. He brought up his half-century at a measured pace, while Rahmat Shah supplied steady support at the other end. The pair added 82 for the third wicket, taking Afghanistan firmly towards the modest target.

Rahmat’s 63-ball innings ended on 43 when Madhevere completed a one-handed catch at mid-wicket, but the wicket came too late to change the direction of the match. Hashmatullah Shahidi joined Zadran and helped finish the job without further alarm.

Shahidi sealed the win in the 35th over, cutting Madhevere for four as Afghanistan reached 170 for 3. Zadran remained unbeaten on 79, finishing an innings that gave Afghanistan a controlled route to the title and capped their undefeated run through the ODI tri-series.