NEW DELHI: Sediqullah Atal‘s maiden one-day international century propelled Afghanistan to a resounding 232-run victory, their biggest-ever One-Day International (ODI) win, over Zimbabwe in the first match of the three-match ODI series in Harare on Thursday.
Atal (104) and Abdul Malik (84) forged a formidable opening partnership of 191 runs, laying a solid foundation for Afghanistan’s imposing total of 286/6 from their allotted 50 overs. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi‘s unbeaten 29 provided a late flourish to the innings.
Zimbabwe’s response was dismal from the outset, with Ben Curran’s run-out on the final ball of the first over setting the tone for a disastrous batting performance.
Only Sikandar Raza (19 not out) and Sean Williams (16) managed to reach double figures as the home team was bundled out for a paltry 54 in 17.5 overs.
The Afghan bowlers, led by Allah Ghazanfar (3/9), Naveed Zadran (3/13), and Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/15), were relentless in their pursuit of wickets.
Atal, a 23-year-old debutant last month, expressed his delight at his maiden century and the team’s comprehensive victory.
Malik and Atal’s partnership laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s commanding total, with both batsmen complementing each other effectively. Shahidi praised the openers’ efforts and emphasized the team’s all-round dominance in all departments.
The match highlighted Zimbabwe’s ongoing struggles in the 50-over format, with their total of 54 ranking among the lowest ODI scores in history.
The team shares the unwanted record of the lowest ODI score of 35 with the United States, a mark they achieved against Sri Lanka in Harare in 2004.
Zimbabwe’s totals of 38 (against Sri Lanka in Colombo) and 44 (against Bangladesh in Chattogram) are also among the seven lowest ODI scores ever recorded.
