In a thrilling display of cricket at the Harare Sports Club, Afghanistanyoung beat sense, Sediqullah Ataletched his name in the annals of Afghan cricket history. Zimbabwe in the year second game of the series. The performance highlighted Atal’s growing prowess as well as the strengthening of Afghanistan’s cricket on the international stage.
Match context
The second ODI between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe turned out to be decisive after the first match ended in a stalemate, reinforcing the importance of the game for both the teams. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan were looking to build on their recent T20I series win over Zimbabwe. The conditions were perfect for batting, the pitch did little to help the bowlers and set the stage for some memorable innings.
Sediqullah Atal’s batting master class
He opened the shots, Atal, next to him Abdul MalikIt gave Afghanistan a solid start. The duo put together a formidable opening partnership, setting the tone for the innings. Known for his aggressive yet calculated approach, Atal showed his class with a mix of graceful drives, powerful pulls and clever runs between the wickets.
Stages: Atal hit a half-century of 81 deliveries, a testament to his patience and technique. His shots were clipped with several boundaries and showed his ability to find the gaps with precision. His maiden ODI hundred came in style with a majestic six off Richard Shipptaking him to 102 off 125 balls.
Key moments: His century was not only about the runs but also the way he scored. A particularly memorable moment was when he showed his luck and skill in equal measure to reach his hundred while still clearing the boundary.
Partnerships: Atal’s partnership with Malik was crucial, amassing over 100 runs for the first wicket. Even after Malik departed for a well-made 84, Atal continued to anchor the innings, ensuring that Afghanistan did not lose momentum.
Afghanistan shooting review
Total score: Afghanistan, posted 286/6 in 50 overs, looked untouchable in the start given by Atal.
Other contributors: While Atal is the star of the show, other players like it Azmatullah Omarzai and Muhammad Nabi provided with useful contributions. Although the team fell short of that mark, Hashemtullah Shahidi’s late cameo was crucial in bringing the score closer to 300.
Bowling Performance by Zimbabwe: Especially Zimbabwean bowlers Newman Nyamhuri and Ngarava tried to dismiss Atal to 104 with Nyamhuri. However, by then the damage had been done to a great extent, with Afghanistan setting a difficult total.
Here’s Twitter’s reaction
Top-class hundred for young top-order batsman Sediqullah Atal. 👏💯#AfghanAtalan | #ZIMvAFG | #Famous NationVictory Team pic.twitter.com/YpH16mDaG9
– Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 19, 2024
Congratulations @SediqAtal50 / @sediqullahatal for the maiden ODI hundred
What a joy it was to see him in the middle @ACBofficials the opener revealed another gem
Bright tattoo
Great game awareness
Between goals and spectacular strikes, a quick… pic.twitter.com/o9GEkh8g1L— Ahmed Farhad Fidai (@AhFarhadFidai) December 19, 2024
RECORDS LOADING!
Currently Afghanistan in all of Zimbabwe. The opening pair of Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik has already registered the 7th highest opening partnership for Afghanistan in ODI cricket.
What is more surprising is that both openers have only 6 ODIs. This is… pic.twitter.com/zPoTT3fhf3
— Udit (@Merovaeous) December 19, 2024
What an incredible batting effort by Sediqullah Atal, a talented left-arm top-order batsman. He was in his 4th ODI innings and what he has already achieved. HUNDRED ODI! 👏
Fantastic achievement! 🤩pic.twitter.com/bIzJNbpXgz
— Hakim Ahmadzai (@HAhmadzai10) December 19, 2024
2nd ode of Century by Sediqullah Atal 🏏#ZIMvsAFG pic.twitter.com/Ho207ypEDH
— Kohli fan (@duary_satyajit) December 19, 2024
Sedighullah Atal smashed Maiden ODI Hundred against Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/pM5eIMLuX6
— Rohit Balyan (@rohit_balyan) December 19, 2024
Afghanistan’s top order for the Champions Trophy looks solid
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Sediqullah Atal
Ibrahim Zadran #ZIMvAFG— Caught & Bowled (@caught1bowled) December 19, 2024
Awesome Knock. Career Highest Individual ODI Scores for Sediqullah Atal 104 and Abdul Malik 84. @ACBofficials #ZIMvAFG
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) December 19, 2024
Sedigullah Atal performed well. Top tattoo. A wonderful century.
Should be a regular in ODIs.
— Maddy (@224notout) December 19, 2024
Sediqullah Atal is special 🔥#ZIMvsAFG
— 🆁🅾🅻🅴🆇ᶜʳⁱᶜᵏᵉᵗᵍᵉᵉᵏ (@RoshanSriram123) December 19, 2024
