Afghanistan secure 100-run win against Zimbabwe in 4th ODI to level the series 2-2

Afghanistan celebrate their first draw series against an ICC Full Member

Afghanistan came made a roaring comeback in the 4-match one-day international series against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo, after the hosts had taken a 2-0 lead in the series, as they beat the hosts by 100 runs in the 4th and final ODI to level the series 2-2.

Afghanistan scraped through to a win by two wickets in the 3rd ODI and had to win the 4th ODI to draw the series, showing they are on equal footing with Zimbabwe, who are one of the ten ICC Full Members. The fact that they did so, with such ease, is a credit to their growing ability and determination.

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to field, thereby giving Afghanistan the opportunity to set a score on the board. The visitors took up the opportunity with glee, as they posted a competitive total of 259 in their 50 overs, with crucial contributions from wicket-keeper Shafiqullah Shafiq, who made a quick-fire 56 from 43 balls, and Samiullah Shenwari, who made 40.

The Zimbabweans, during the innings break, would have been fairly confident of chasing down the target, but their hopes were dented pretty quickly. The Afghanistan bowlers were on the money right from the start and gave no freebies, leaving Zimbabwe tottering at 29/6 within the first 15 overs.

Zimbabwean wicketkeeper Richmond Mutumbami helped stop the rot along with Timycen Maruma and offered some late resistance, giving a glimmer of hope of a revival. The pair batted close to 20 overs and added 97 for the 7th wicket before left-arm spinner Sharafuddin Ashraf dismissed Maruma lbw.

The next 2 wickets went to Ashraf as well before Aftab Alam wrapped up the Zimbabwean innings by bowling tailender Donald Tiripano, bundling Zimbabwe out for 159 in 38 overs.

Zimbabwe’s next ODI series, in preparation for the 50-over World Cup next year, starts in three weeks’ time against the irrepressible South Africans.