Sediqullah Atal’s century and Abdul Malik’s fifty powered Afghanistan to a commanding 232-run victory over Zimbabwe, as the visitors bundled the hosts out for just 54 runs.
In only his fourth ODI appearance, Sediqullah Atal showcased a brilliant century, while Abdul Malik fell short of a hundred despite a strong start. Thanks to the heroics of their openers, Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 286 runs, which Zimbabwe couldn’t even come close to challenging. The visitors’ dominant performance sealed a record-breaking win.
The second ODI in Harare on Thursday saw Afghanistan claim their biggest victory margin in ODI history, surpassing their 177-run win against South Africa in September.
Sediqullah struck 104 runs off 128 balls, hitting 4 sixes and 8 fours, while Malik contributed 84 off 101 deliveries, including 1 six and 11 fours. Their 191-run opening partnership laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s total.
In reply, Zimbabwe’s batsmen crumbled against Afghanistan’s bowlers. Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar and Naveed Zadran picked up three wickets each, while Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed two and Azmatullah Omarzai grabbed one.
Such was Afghanistan’s dominance that their star leg-spinner Rashid Khan and experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nabi didn’t even have to bowl in the match.
