Afghanistan clinched the tri-nation ODI series title with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the final. Chasing a target of 170 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan reached 170 for three in just 34.3 overs, with 93 balls to spare.

After winning the toss, Zimbabwe elected to bat first but were bowled out for 169 in 43.3 overs against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza top-scored with 68 off 83 balls, while Ryan Burl contributed 31 off 45 deliveries. Tadiwanashe Marumani scored 12, but no other batter managed to reach 20. Only three Zimbabwean batters made double figures.

Rashid Khan led Afghanistan’s bowling attack with three wickets. Mohammad Nabi, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Bilal Sami claimed two wickets each, while Azmatullah Omarzai took one.

In reply, Afghanistan got off to a solid start as openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran added 68 runs. Gurbaz departed after scoring 36 off 31 balls, but Zadran held one end firmly and went on to score a superb half-century.

Captain Rahmat Shah also made a valuable contribution, scoring 43 off 63 balls before being dismissed. Zadran remained unbeaten to guide Afghanistan to victory, finishing with 70 off 96 deliveries.

For Zimbabwe, Newman Nyamhuri took two wickets and Wesley Madhevere claimed one, but their efforts were not enough to prevent Afghanistan from securing the trophy.

Ibrahim Zadran was named Player of the Match for his performance in the final and also received the Player of the Series award.

Brief Scores

Zimbabwe: 169 all out in 43.3 overs
Sikandar Raza 68, Ryan Burl 31, Tadiwanashe Marumani 12.
Rashid Khan 3/41, Mohammad Nabi 2/25, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2/41, Bilal Sami 2/27, Azmatullah Omarzai 1/6.

Afghanistan: 170/3 in 34.3 overs
Ibrahim Zadran 70, Rahmat Shah 43, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 36.
Newman Nyamhuri 2 wickets, Wesley Madhevere 1 wicket.

Result: Afghanistan won by seven wickets.
Player of the Match: Ibrahim Zadran.
Player of the Series: Ibrahim Zadran.