KABUL (SW): Afghanistan’s impressive win over Zimbabwe in the first One Day International (ODI) of the series in Sharjah has earned this emerging team a much-awaited entry into the world’s best 10 cricketing nation.
On Friday, Afghanistan bowled Zimbabwe out for a mere 82 to bag a 49-run victory and take a 1-0 lead by successfully defending the lowest total for an Associate team against a Full Member 131.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Afghanistan took-off with an explosive start. Despite the regular fall of wickets at one end, opener Noor Ali Zadran kept scoring runs at a steady pace. Zadran remained the high scorer with 63 out of 82 balls with four boundaries.
Despite engaging a world-class batsman of his era, Inzimamul Haq as head coach, Afghanistan could not manage to play all 50 over. The whole team was sent back to the pavilion in the 39th over with just 131 on the board.
In reply, the Zimbabweans were confined to the 31st over with just 82 on the board. On a slow deck that sprung to life under lights, it was Mirwais Ashraf, the seamer, who opened the flood gates with two early blows before the spinners led by Amir Hamza and Mohammad Nabi dismantled a nervous middle order with point precision, espn cricinfo has noted. Hamza got four, Nabi 3 and Mirwais two wickets.
On the lates International Cricket Council (ICC) ranking, Afghanistan has left behind Ireland and Zimbabwe to secure the 10th slot for itself. This victory in Sharjah earned Afghanistan 8 important points.
Here is the fresh ICC ranking for ODIs;
Team Matches Points Rating
Australia 44 5569 127
India 56 6380 114
South Africa 57 6362 112
New Zealand 49 5405 110
Sri Lanka 64 6675 104
England 56 5639 101
Bangladesh 37 3571 97
Pakistan 57 4983 87
West Indies 38 3256 86
Afghanistan 21 1005 48
Ireland 15 683 46
