Atal and Rashid lead Afghanistan to comprehensive win

Sediqullah Atal's century, coupled with a four-wicket haul from Rashid Khan, helped Afghanistan achieve a decisive 158-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second match of the UAE ODI Tri-Series on October 19, 2026. Afghanistan batted first, scoring 294 runs, with Atal contributing a crucial 102 runs off 110 balls and Ibrahim Zadran providing solid support with 90 runs. Zimbabwe faltered in their chase, being bowled out for 136 runs in 38.4 overs, falling short of the 295 target necessary for victory.

Afghanistan's innings began strongly with Atal and Zadran forming a 140-run partnership. However, the team saw a rapid fall of wickets toward the end of their innings, losing their last six wickets for just 37 runs. Despite this, they posted a competitive total of 294, a score that proved too challenging for Zimbabwe, who needed to score at least 196 runs to secure qualification for the series final.

Zimbabwe's batting lineup struggled from the outset. Beginning their innings, they quickly found themselves at 24 for 3, with Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissing Ben Curran for a duck and taking another wicket shortly thereafter. The situation worsened for Zimbabwe, who continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Brendan Taylor’s run out for just 1 run exemplified their struggles in the field as he strayed too far from the crease. Even though Sikandar Raza made an effort to stabilize the innings, it was not enough to prevent the collapse, as Rashid Khan capitalized on the pressure, claiming four wickets for just 17 runs.

Raza, who top-scored for Zimbabwe with 48 runs, found himself short of support, as the rest of the batting order succumbed under pressure. Ultimately, Afghanistan's bowling attack proved too potent, effectively sealing the game and keeping the competition for a spot in the final alive. Both Afghanistan and Zimbabwe currently sit on two points each, with one match remaining against Bangladesh the following Wednesday.