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Sediqullah Atal scored a century and Rashid Khan claimed four wickets as Afghanistan opened their campaign in the UAE ODI Tri-Series with a 158-run win over Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi on October 19, 2026. Afghanistan made 294 all out in 50 overs at the Zayed Cricket Stadium before dismissing Zimbabwe for 136 in 38.4 overs.
Atal top-scored with 102 from 110 balls, while Ibrahim Zadran added 90 from 96 deliveries. Their second-wicket partnership of 140 gave Afghanistan a strong platform after the early loss of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Zimbabwe’s bowlers recovered late in the innings, but the total proved more than enough as Afghanistan’s attack controlled the chase.
Gurbaz gave Afghanistan a brisk start with 25 from 20 balls, but his dismissal brought Atal to the crease and set up the innings’ defining stand. Ibrahim Zadran combined patience with boundary scoring, striking nine fours and two sixes in his 90. Atal reached three figures with eight fours and a six, making his 102 his third ODI hundred.
The pair’s 140-run partnership placed Afghanistan in a commanding position. Zimbabwe then struck back during the closing stages, taking wickets to prevent the innings from becoming an even larger total. Brad Evans and Ernest Masuku took three wickets each, while Blessing Muzarabani claimed two. Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 294 on the final ball of their 50 overs.
Zimbabwe’s reply never developed into a sustained chase. Afghanistan’s seamers made early inroads, and Zimbabwe lost wickets before the middle order could build a stable platform. Brian Bennett scored 31 from 40 balls, but the innings lacked a partnership comparable to Afghanistan’s second-wicket stand.
Rashid Khan then put pressure on the middle order, finishing with four wickets for 17 runs from eight overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi supported him with two wickets for 15 runs in five overs. The combination of early strikes and control through the middle overs left Zimbabwe unable to keep up with the required rate.
Sikandar Raza was Zimbabwe’s leading scorer with 48 from 80 balls. His innings offered resistance, but Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 136 in 38.4 overs. The 158-run margin gave Afghanistan a comprehensive start to their tri-series campaign.
The UAE ODI Tri-Series features Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, with matches taking place in the United Arab Emirates. Afghanistan’s victory gave them an early result in the league phase and left Zimbabwe needing to respond in their remaining fixtures. The tournament’s standings and qualification picture depend on the results of the remaining league matches.
Afghanistan’s performance offered two clear positives: a top-order partnership capable of setting a substantial total and a bowling unit able to defend it decisively. Atal’s century and Ibrahim Zadran’s 90 formed the backbone of the innings, while Rashid’s figures highlighted his influence once Zimbabwe began losing wickets regularly.
- Afghanistan: 294 all out in 50 overs.
- Zimbabwe: 136 all out in 38.4 overs.
- Winning margin: 158 runs.
- Sediqullah Atal: 102 from 110 balls.
- Ibrahim Zadran: 90 from 96 balls.
- Rashid Khan: 4 wickets for 17 runs in eight overs.
The scoreline reflected Afghanistan’s stronger performance in both innings. Their batters built a substantial total through a major partnership, and their bowlers prevented Zimbabwe from establishing the partnerships needed to make the chase competitive. Afghanistan will now turn their attention to the next league fixture as the tri-series continues in the UAE.
