Image Source: Cricinfo
Cricbuzz highlights a dominant Afghanistan performance as Ibrahim Zadran’s unbeaten 70 guided his side to a seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the UAE ODI Tri-Series final at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 23, 2026.
Zimbabwe chose to bat first but struggled against Afghanistan’s varied bowling attack, losing all 10 wickets for 169 runs in 43.3 overs. Afghanistan then completed the chase with 170 for three in just 34.3 overs, securing the 2026/27 tri-series title in convincing fashion.
Shocking Cricbuzz Result: Afghanistan Claim the Title
The final quickly swung Afghanistan’s way during Zimbabwe’s difficult opening powerplay. Fazalhaq Farooqi removed Tadiwanashe Marumani and Tafadzwa Tsiga, while Azmatullah Omarzai produced a spectacular caught-and-bowled dismissal to send Brian Bennett back to the pavilion.
Zimbabwe were reduced to 26 for three before Brendan Taylor briefly steadied the innings. However, Bilal Sami soon dismissed Taylor, leaving the batting side under sustained pressure at 55 for four.
Sikandar Raza attempted to rebuild the innings with Ryan Burl. The pair added 60 runs for the fifth wicket, offering Zimbabwe a chance to reach a competitive total. Burl made 31 before Mohammad Nabi ended the partnership, and Raza was eventually dismissed for 68 by Rashid Khan.
Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi Deliver a Powerful Collapse
Afghanistan’s spinners then took complete control. Mohammad Nabi dismissed Wessly Madhevere for 3 and reached a major personal milestone by claiming his 300th wicket in international cricket. Rashid Khan followed with three wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Raza.
Rashid finished with three wickets for 41 runs from 10 overs, while Nabi returned figures of two for 25. Farooqi also impressed with two wickets for 41 runs, and Bilal Sami claimed two wickets as Zimbabwe’s lower order offered little resistance.
Wellington Masakadza was the final wicket to fall, leaving Brian Muzarabani unbeaten on 17. Zimbabwe’s total of 169 was below par, particularly after the team had lost three wickets inside the opening six overs.
- Zimbabwe: 169 all out in 43.3 overs
- Afghanistan: 170 for 3 in 34.3 overs
- Afghanistan won by seven wickets with 93 balls remaining
- Player of the Match: Ibrahim Zadran
- Player of the Series: Rashid Khan
Ibrahim Zadran Leads a Calm Afghanistan Chase
Afghanistan began the chase positively, reaching 50 in only 7.5 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 36 from 31 deliveries before Newman Nyamhuri found his edge, but Zimbabwe could not turn the breakthrough into sustained pressure.
Sediqullah Atal fell for 6, yet Ibrahim Zadran remained composed at the crease. He brought up his half-century from 65 balls and continued to rotate the strike effectively while punishing loose deliveries.
Rahmat Shah added 43 from 63 balls during an important 82-run partnership with Zadran. His dismissal, courtesy of a brilliant one-handed catch by Ryan Burl, was one of Zimbabwe’s few highlights in the second innings.
Hashmatullah Shahidi joined Zadran and helped finish the match without further damage. Zadran ended unbeaten on 70 from 96 balls, while Shahidi remained not out on 7. Afghanistan reached the target comfortably, confirming their status as the strongest team in the tournament.
Afghanistan’s Balanced Attack Proves Decisive
The victory was built on Afghanistan’s bowling depth. Their fast bowlers created early movement and pressure, while Rashid and Nabi used the Sharjah surface intelligently through the middle overs.
Afghanistan coach Richard Pybus had praised the team’s “very diverse but very competent bowling unit” after the final. The performance supported that assessment, with wickets shared between the new-ball attack, seam-bowling all-rounders and experienced spinners.
Rashid Khan was named Player of the Series after another influential tournament. His control, wicket-taking ability and leadership helped Afghanistan finish above Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in the three-team standings.
What the Cricbuzz Report Means for Both Teams
For Afghanistan, the title strengthens the team’s growing reputation in one-day cricket. The side showed it can win through early breakthroughs, disciplined spin bowling and a controlled chase led by dependable top-order batters.
For Zimbabwe, the defeat exposes concerns in the batting department. Raza’s 68 was valuable, but the team relied too heavily on rescue partnerships after losing wickets quickly. As Raza noted after the match, rescue missions cannot become a regular batting strategy.
The UAE ODI Tri-Series also offered important preparation ahead of future international assignments. Afghanistan leave Sharjah with confidence, while Zimbabwe will need to improve their top-order stability and middle-over scoring.
FAQs About the Cricbuzz Match Update
Who won the UAE ODI Tri-Series final?
Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the final at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
What was Zimbabwe’s score?
Zimbabwe were bowled out for 169 in 43.3 overs after choosing to bat first.
Who was Afghanistan’s top scorer?
Ibrahim Zadran top-scored for Afghanistan with an unbeaten 70 from 96 balls.
How did Rashid Khan perform?
Rashid Khan took three wickets for 41 runs and was named Player of the Series.
Which milestone did Mohammad Nabi reach?
Mohammad Nabi claimed his 300th wicket during Afghanistan’s impressive bowling performance.
