SEAN Williams' valiant half-century proved insufficient as Afghanistan dominated Zimbabwe in the third and final One Day International (ODI) at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
Zimbabwe's batting woes continued, with the hosts being bowled out for 127 in just 30.1 overs. Williams' 60-ball 61 was the lone bright spot, accounting for nearly half of Zimbabwe's total.
Sikandar Raza (13), Ben Curran (12), and Richard Ngarava (10) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures on a challenging day for Zimbabwe's batsmen.
Afghanistan's convincing eight-wicket victory sealed a 2-0 series win, underscoring their superiority over the hosts.
Destroyer-in-chief was Afghanistan spinner AM Ghazanfar with a fiver, giving away 33 runs in 10 overs with seasoned campaigner Rashid Khan claiming three scalps.
Afghanistan went on the rampage with the bat chasing down Zimbabwe's total with 139 balls to spare scoring 131/2. Opener Sediqullah Atal scored 52 off 50 balls before a diving Brian Bennett committed himself to the ground to complete a stunning catch off Trevor Gwandu's bowling.
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Abdul Malik was bowled by Ngarava for 29 runs while skipper Hashmatullah Shahid and Rahmat Shah remained unbeaten on 20 and 17 runs respectively.
"Obviously, we've got to look forward to the test, but I think, you know, throughout this series, we did find it tough. A lot of the youngsters have been exposed to, I think some quality bowling from the Afghanistan side, and a lot of credit to them. I thought, you know, they were brilliant throughout with the bat, with the ball with the spin through the middle," said Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine.
"I think it's always tricky because you're constantly trying to evolve. You're constantly trying to get better and improve. But I thought today, at least we showed a little bit more intent, a little bit more positivity. And well done to Sean Williams, obviously his innings today were outstanding."
Ngarava played in his 50th ODI for Zimbabwe yesterday and of recognition before the match.
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was ecstatic with the continuous positives his team are registering with each outing.
"I am very happy with the way the team performed in all three departments. And I can say again that I'm feeling really, really happy and moving forward to the next Test series," he said.
"I think if you look at every point you were doing very good and I mentioned in the last match also that everyone takes responsibility. Everyone knows their role. So that's the reason. I think some youngsters who are coming to the team like Ghazanfar from the last two to three series — He is doing very well for the team and hopefully, he can carry on the same momentum and bowl well for us in the future also."
Focus now turns to Bulawayo for the two-match Test series. The first match bowls off on Boxing Day.