Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by 158 runs as Rashid Khan takes four wickets

ABU DHABI: Rashid Khan delivered a devastating bowling performance after Sediqullah Atal struck a brilliant century to guide Afghanistan to a commanding 158-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second match of the ODI tri-series at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Chasing a target of 295, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 136 in 38.4 overs, struggling to recover from an early collapse as Afghanistan tightened their grip on the contest.

Rashid led the attack with an impressive four-wicket haul, conceding just 17 runs in eight overs to dismantle Zimbabwe’s batting lineup and seal a convincing win for his side.

Zimbabwe’s innings got off to a disastrous start as they slipped to 43-4 in 12.5 overs. Captain Sikandar Raza attempted to steady the innings, building a 64-run fifth-wicket partnership with Ryan Burl to offer his team a brief chance of recovery.

Raza top-scored with 48 off 80 deliveries, including three fours and a six, while Burl and Brian Bennett contributed 31 runs apiece.

However, Burl’s dismissal triggered another collapse, leaving Zimbabwe unable to build meaningful partnerships as Afghanistan’s bowlers continued to apply pressure.

Earlier, Atal anchored Afghanistan’s innings with a superb 102 off 110 balls, striking eight fours and a six to help his team post 294-9 in their allotted 50 overs.

He shared a crucial 140-run partnership for the second wicket with Ibrahim Zadran, who narrowly missed out on a century after scoring 90 from 96 deliveries. Zadran’s innings included nine fours and two sixes and provided Afghanistan with a solid foundation.

Afghanistan made an aggressive start through Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who struck three fours and a six before being dismissed by Masuku.

Zadran continued to attack, reaching his half-century in the 16th over, while Atal accelerated with a pair of boundaries against Wellington Masakadza.

Zadran eventually fell to Evans, caught at deep square leg, before Masuku removed captain Rahmat Shah for seven. Azmatullah Omarzai also departed for eight following a diving catch by Brendan Taylor.

Atal reached his century with a hard-run three in the 44th over but was dismissed by Raza in the following over.

Zimbabwe mounted a late fightback, claiming five wickets in the final five overs for just 34 runs. Masuku and Brad Evans took three wickets each, while Blessing Muzarabani claimed two for 68.

Despite the late resistance, Afghanistan’s dominant bowling display ensured a comprehensive victory, with Rashid’s spell proving decisive in the tri-series encounter.