Afghanistan Cruise to Tri-Series Title With Seven-Wicket Win Over Zimbabwe
Afghanistan won the ODI tri-series final in Sharjah on Friday, bowling Zimbabwe out for 169 before Ibrahim Zadran's unbeaten 70 guided a comfortable seven-wicket chase with 93 balls to spare.
Afghanistan lifted the ODI tri-series trophy in Sharjah on Friday with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the final.
Zimbabwe, electing to bat first, were bowled out for 169 in 43.3 overs, with Sikandar Raza's 83-ball 68 the lone innings of substance and Ryan Burl adding 31. Rashid Khan led the Afghan attack with three wickets, keeping the Zimbabweans under constant pressure on a sluggish Sharjah surface.
The chase was never in doubt. Ibrahim Zadran anchored the innings with an unbeaten 70 from 96 deliveries, well supported by Rahmat Shah's 43, as Afghanistan reached 170 for 3 in just 34.3 overs — wrapping up the win with 93 balls remaining.
The triumph caps an impressive tournament for Afghanistan, who have been among the most consistent one-day sides in world cricket in recent seasons. Their spin attack once again proved decisive in subcontinental-style conditions, and the batting unit showed composure in a final.
Zimbabwe will take heart from reaching the final but were outplayed on the day, their total never likely to trouble a confident Afghan lineup in Sharjah.