Rashid Khan Rips Through Zimbabwe! Afghanistan Win by 158 Runs in UAE ODI Tri-Series 🔥
Afghanistan opened their campaign in the UAE ODI Tri-Series with a commanding 158-run victory over Zimbabwe at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on October 19, 2026.
Sediqullah Atal struck a century and Ibrahim Zadran contributed 90 as Afghanistan posted 294. Zimbabwe's chase collapsed against Afghanistan's spin attack, with Rashid Khan taking four wickets to help bowl them out for 136.
Atal's Century Leads Afghanistan's Batting
Afghanistan chose to bat first and built their innings around a strong contribution from the top order. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave them a brisk start with 25 from 20 balls before falling with the score at 50.
Ibrahim Zadran then made 90 from 96 deliveries, striking nine fours and two sixes. His innings helped establish the platform for the middle order.
Sediqullah Atal took advantage of that foundation, scoring 102 from 110 balls. His innings included eight fours and a six, and he became the match's only centurion.
| Afghanistan Batter | Runs (Balls) |
|---|---|
| Sediqullah Atal | 102 (110) |
| Ibrahim Zadran | 90 (96) |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | 25 (20) |
| Hashmatullah Shahidi | 28 (30) |
| Afghanistan | 294 all out |
Zimbabwe's Bowlers Fight Back Late
Zimbabwe prevented Afghanistan from finishing even more strongly by taking wickets in the closing overs. Brad Evans returned figures of 3/48, while Ernest Masuku also claimed three wickets, conceding 44 runs.
Blessing Muzarabani took two wickets, and captain Sikandar Raza added one as Afghanistan were dismissed on the final ball of their 50 overs.
Zimbabwe's Chase Falls Apart
Zimbabwe needed 295 to win but lost wickets regularly during the chase. Ben Curran was dismissed for a duck, and the early damage left Zimbabwe chasing the game from the outset.
Brian Bennett made 31 and Ryan Burl scored 31, but neither could turn the innings around. Captain Sikandar Raza added 48 from 80 balls, the top score for Zimbabwe, yet the required run rate and mounting wickets proved too much.
Zimbabwe were eventually dismissed for 136 in 38.4 overs, leaving Afghanistan with a substantial victory margin of 158 runs.
Rashid Khan Delivers the Decisive Spell
Rashid Khan led the bowling effort with 4/17 from eight overs. He kept Zimbabwe's middle and lower order under pressure and helped prevent any late recovery.
Mohammad Nabi also contributed with the ball, while Afghanistan's attack maintained control as Zimbabwe slipped from a difficult chase into a decisive defeat.
What the Result Means for the Tri-Series
The win gives Afghanistan a strong start in the three-team ODI competition featuring Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe had opened the tournament with a 99-run win over Bangladesh, but their second outing ended in a heavy defeat.
Afghanistan next face Bangladesh on October 21. The top two teams from the league stage will qualify for the final scheduled for October 23 in Abu Dhabi.