BY SPORTSCAST WRITER
HARARE – Afghanistan completed a 3-0 one-day international series whitewash over hosts Zimbabwe after ace leg-spinner Rashid Khan starred for the Asian side in the four wicket win on Thursday.
Man-of-the-match Khan picked 3-31 as Zimbabwe was bowled out for 135 runs after 44.5 overs.
Once again, Afghanistan’s bowlers hit the correct lengths on a flat wicket at Harare Sports Club, and also took full advantage of poor cricket all round by the Zimbabweans.
With the series win, Afghanistan has now drawn closer to direct qualification for next year’s World Cup in India, after coming into this Zimbabwe contest sitting in fifth position on the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League.
Batsman Rahmat Shah, player of the series, said the Asian team is aiming to qualify directly to the tournament in India.
“It will be a huge tournament for us to play in the tournament in 2023, for the team and for me personally,” Shah told reporters.
“I have lots of plans to play good cricket in the World Cup, with a positive mind.”
Afghanistan recovered from the loss of early wickets to eventually win comfortably with 74 balls to spare, ending on 137-6.
Captain Hashmatullar Shahidi top-scored with 38 in reply while Mohammad Nabi was undefeated on 34.
The two teams will now clash in three T201s at the weekend as well as on the Tuesday.
