Zimbabwe v Afghanistan, 3rd ODI, Harare
Afghanistan would hope for another superlative show from its batsmen as it looks to seal the five-match One-Day International series against Zimbabwe in the third game in Harare on Tuesday (February 21).
Afghanistan won the second ODI in some style, dominating from start to finish. Mohammad Shahzad and Rahmat Shah, with half-centuries, led from the front followed by a combined bowling performance. Shahzad and Shah posted an 84-run stand for the second wicket and with support from Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran, the visiting side piled up a total of 238 for 9.
Afghanistan has now won seven of its last ten games against Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe needs a victory to stay alive in this series. It started its chase well with Solomon Mire scoring 54, but overall its batsmen succumbed to Afghanistan's spin attack. The middle-order batsmen continued to struggle as Afghanistan's spin trio of Rashid Khan, Amir Hamza and Mohammad Nabi stifled Zimbabwe's batting.
The inexperience of the home side has been exposed, especially on the batting front with totals of 99 and 184 in the first two matches. But the Zimbabwe bowlers looked disciplined. Tendai Chatara was the pick of them, with figures of 3 for 36 as he took wickets at crucial stages.
The visiting side also won the five-match One-Day International series when both teams met last year. Zimbabwe made a comeback after losing the first two games, though it eventually lost the series 3-2.
Furthermore, Nabi and Rashid Khan, the 18-year-old legspinner, would be high on confidence after bagging lucrative Indian Premier League contracts.
Teams (from)
Zimbabwe: Graeme Cremer (capt), Peter Moor, Ryan Burl, Tarisai Musakanda, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Elton Chigumbura, Wellington Masakadza, Donaldo Tiripano, Tendai Chatara, Christopher Mpofu, Nathan Waller, Craig Ervine, Solomon Mire, Carl Mumbai, Richard Ngarava.
Afghanistan: Asghar Stanikzai (capt), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Noor Ali Zadran, Ihsanullah Janat, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shaheedi, Samiullah Shenwari, Najeebullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Kareem Janat, Dawlat Zadran, Farid Ahmad, Aftab Alam.