Afghanistan delivered a commanding performance to crush Zimbabwe by 232 runs in the second ODI at Harare Sports Club, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The visitors showcased their batting depth and bowling brilliance to outclass the hosts, leaving Zimbabwe with a daunting task heading into the final match on Saturday, December 21.

Afghanistan’s imposing batting display

Put in to bat first after losing the toss, Afghanistan posted an imposing total of 286/6 in their 50 overs. The innings was anchored by an exceptional century from Sediqullah Atal, who scored 104 runs off 128 balls. Atal’s knock, studded with 8 fours and 4 sixes, provided the backbone for Afghanistan’s innings. He was ably supported by Abdul Malik, who struck a fluent 84 off 101 balls, including 11 fours and a six.

Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed 29 runs off 30 deliveries, adding stability in the middle overs, while Mohammad Nabi chipped in with a quickfire 18. The duo of Atal and Malik laid a strong foundation, and the late-order batters ensured Afghanistan crossed the 280-run mark.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain Afghanistan’s batters, with only Newman Nyamhuri standing out, claiming 3/53 in his 10 overs. Richard Ngarava (1/49) and Trevor Gwandu (2/70) also contributed with wickets, but the hosts couldn’t prevent Afghanistan from building a daunting total.

Zimbabwe’s batting collapse

Chasing 287, Zimbabwe crumbled under the relentless pressure from Afghanistan’s bowlers, being bowled out for a meagre 54 runs in just 17.5 overs. The top order collapsed early, with Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers and Craig Ervine departing in the powerplay overs.

Sean Williams (16 off 18) and Sikandar Raza (19 off 32) provided brief resistance, but their efforts were in vain as wickets tumbled at regular intervals. None of the other batters could reach double figures, highlighting Zimbabwe’s struggles against Afghanistan’s potent bowling attack.

Afghanistan’s bowlers were ruthless, with Fazalhaq Farooqi leading the charge, taking 2/15 in his six overs. Allah Ghazanfar and Naveed Zadran were the standout performers, both claiming three wickets each while conceding just 9 and 13 runs, respectively. Azmatullah Omarzai also chipped in with a wicket to complete the demolition job.

Rampant Afghanistan crush Zimbabwe in 2nd ODI

Scorecard: https://t.co/ymmg1zmewp#ZIMvAFG #ODI #cricket pic.twitter.com/n70a5Pv9v8

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 20, 2024

Also READ: Pakistan seal series with clinical win over South Africa in 2nd ODI

Player of the Match

Sediqullah Atal was deservedly named Player of the Match for his outstanding century, which laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s record win in terms of runs. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate at the right moments proved crucial in setting up a daunting target.

Series Overview

After the first ODI was abandoned due to rain, Afghanistan’s resounding victory in the second match has given them an unassailable lead in the series. Zimbabwe will look to regroup and salvage some pride in the final ODI, while Afghanistan will aim to continue their dominance and secure a series victory.

The third and final ODI promises to be a crucial encounter for both teams, as Zimbabwe will strive for redemption, and Afghanistan will look to wrap up the series on a high.

Also READ: Afghanistan unveils squad for the Test series against Zimbabwe; Rashid Khan returns

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