Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe cricket match
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Afghanistan bowled Zimbabwe out for 136 after posting 294, winning the 2nd ODI by 158 runs.
The result keeps Afghanistan unbeaten against Zimbabwe in ODIs for eight years.
Background
The match was the second game of a three-team ODI (one-day international) series in the UAE also featuring Bangladesh. Afghanistan, captained by Rahmat Shah and including spinners Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, had won their previous ODI series 4-0 in Ireland in August. Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, had opened the series with a 99-run win over Bangladesh, Raza's first victory as ODI captain.
How it unfolded
- Oct 17, 2026Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by 99 runs in the tri-series opener, with Craig Ervine making 93 and Brendan Taylor 81 in a 150-run fourth-wicket stand that set up 271/8.
- Oct 18, 2026The Afghanistan Cricket Board posted that Afghanistan were ready to begin their campaign against Zimbabwe at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, first ball 4:00 PM (AFT).
- Oct 19, 2026Afghanistan won the toss and batted, making 294; Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell for 25 and Sediqullah Atal top-scored with 102 off 110 balls, while Ibrahim Zadran hit his 11th ODI fifty.
- Oct 19, 2026Zimbabwe, chasing a revised target of 196 to reach the final, were bowled out for 136 in 38.4 overs; Sikandar Raza was dropped three times on his way to 48.
Who’s saying what
- Party
- Brendan Taylor, speaking for Zimbabwe because Raza is struggling with an injury, said Afghanistan showed real application and high quality on a docile wicket, and that Zimbabwe need a better foundation and should put the loss behind them.
Still unverified
The playing XIs published by The Economic Times are probable line-ups, with final XIs to be confirmed at the toss.