Ghazanfar scalped five wickets in Afghanistan's 3rd ODI encounter against Zimbabwe [Source: @ACBofficials/X.com]
Zimbabwe was humiliated again by Afghanistan in their 3rd ODI encounter of the three-match series. The Match that took place at Harare Sports Club on December 21 was a disaster to watch as a Zimbabwe fan but was an absolute treat for Afghani fans. As the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side sweeps Zimbabwe 2-0 for the ODI series win, here's the timeline of how ZIM vs AFG match panned out in Harare:
ZIM vs AFG Highlights: Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar's Fifer, Rashid Khan's 3-Wicket Haul Cripples Zimbabwe
After winning the toss, Afghanistan chose to bowl first and as it was seen they played their cards properly on a very low in confidence Zimbabwe. Ghazanfar struck first by dismissing the openers within 8 overs. Khan also chipped in by picking 3 wickets and dismantling the Zimbabwean middle order, reducing them to 70-5 at the end of 17.5 overs.
While Fareed Ahmad Malik and Azmatullah Omarzai chipped in with one wicket each, Ghazanfar hammered the final nail in the Zims coffin as he sent back Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wellington Masakadza for a duck. He also picked up Newman Nyamhuri and completed his five-wicket haul leaving Zimbabwe at a dangerous 89-8 at the end of 22.5 overs.
ZIM vs AFG Highlights: Sean Williams' Gritty Fifty Pushes Zimbabwe's Total Past 100-Run Mark
Sean Williams came in to bat after the third wicket of the skipper Craig Ervine and showed resilience. Williams held the fort steady for Zimbabwe from one side as other batters crumbled in front of Afghanistan's spin attack. He scored his fifty off of 56 balls and put up a modest 60 off 61 before he was sent off by Rashid Khan.
Besides Williams, Sikandar Raza also contributed with his 13 off 18, and after Williams was gone, Zimbabwe was at the end of their hopes reeling at 119-9.
ZIM vs AFG Highlights: Sediqullah Atal's Fifty Leads Afghanistan To Easy Chase
Coming in to bat, Sediqullah Atal played a resilient knock of 52 runs off 50 balls giving a hard time to the Zimbabwe bowlers. He partnered along with Abdul Malik for 84 runs to close the chase.
Atal was eventually dismissed by Gwandu. A full delivery outside off stump saw Atal attempt an inside-out shot. However, he couldn't generate sufficient power, and Brian Bennett, fielding at deep cover, sprinted to his left and executed a diving catch to dismiss Atal.
ZIM vs AFG Highlights: Hashmatullah Shahidi Seals Series Win
After Atal and Malik, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi came in to complete the chase for Afghanistan. Both kept their calm on the crease and picked up the chase after 21 overs. While Shah scored 17 runs, Shahidi racked up 20 off 22 balls.
Shahidi finished the game in style and whacked Masakadza for a boundary to secure the 2-0 series win for Afghanistan by 8 wickets.