In an electrifying display of cricket at the Harare Sports Club, Afghanistan‘s young batting sensation, Sediqullah Atal, etched his name into the annals of Afghan cricket history by scoring his maiden One Day International (ODI) century against Zimbabwe in the second match of their series. This performance not only highlighted Atal’s growing prowess but also underlined Afghanistan’s strengthening cricketing stature on the international stage.
The match context
The second ODI between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe was crucial after the first match ended in a washout, intensifying the importance of the game for both teams. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan was looking to capitalize on the momentum from their recent T20I series win against Zimbabwe. The conditions were perfect for batting, with the pitch offering little assistance to the bowlers, setting the stage for what would become a memorable innings.
Sediqullah Atal’s batting masterclass
Opening the innings, Atal, alongside Abdul Malik, provided Afghanistan with a solid start. The duo stitched together a formidable opening partnership, setting the tone for the innings. Atal, known for his aggressive yet calculated approach, showcased his class with a blend of elegant drives, powerful pulls, and smart running between the wickets.
Milestones: Atal reached his half-century off 81 deliveries, a testament to his patience and technique. His innings was punctuated by several boundaries, demonstrating his ability to find gaps with precision. His maiden ODI hundred came in style with a majestic six off Richard Ngarava, taking him to 102 runs off 125 balls.
Key Moments: His century was not just about the runs but also the manner of scoring. A particularly memorable moment was when he reached his hundred with a top-edged pull that still cleared the boundary, showcasing his luck and skill in equal measure.
Partnerships: Atal’s partnership with Malik was crucial, amassing over 100 runs for the first wicket. Even after Malik’s departure for a well-made 84, Atal continued to anchor the innings, ensuring that Afghanistan did not lose momentum.
Afghanistan’s innings overview
Total Score: Afghanistan posted a formidable 286/6 in their 50 overs, a score that seemed within reach given the start provided by Atal.
Other Contributors: While Atal was the star of the show, other players like Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi chipped in with useful contributions. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s late cameo was vital in pushing the score close to 300, although the team fell short of that mark.
Bowling Performance by Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe’s bowlers, particularly Newman Nyamhuri and Ngarava, tried to make inroads, with Nyamhuri eventually dismissing Atal for 104. However, the damage had largely been done by then, with Afghanistan setting a challenging total.
Here is how Twitter reacted
A Hundred of the highest class for the young top-order batter, Sediqullah Atal. 👏💯#AfghanAtalan | #ZIMvAFG | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/YpH16mDaG9
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 19, 2024
Congratulations @SediqAtal50 / @sediqullahatal for maiden ODI hundred
What an absolute joy it has been to see him out in the middle @ACBofficials has unearthed another gem of an opener
Brilliant knock
Great game awareness
Quick between the wickets and majestic shots… pic.twitter.com/o9GEkh8g1L— Ahmad Farhad Fidai (@AhFarhadFidai) December 19, 2024
RECORDS TUMBLING!
Afghanistan all over Zimbabwe at the moment. Opening pair of Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik have already registered 7th highest opening partnership for Afghanistan in ODI cricket.
What more amazing is that both these openers have just 6 ODIs in total. This… pic.twitter.com/zPoTT3fhf3
— Udit (@Merovaeous) December 19, 2024
What an incredible batting effort by the talented left-arm top-order batter Sediqullah Atal. He was into his 4th ODI inning and what he has already achieved. An ODI HUNDRED! 👏
Fantastic achievement! 🤩pic.twitter.com/bIzJNbpXgz
— Hakim Ahmadzai (@HAhmadzai10) December 19, 2024
Century by Sediqullah Atal in 2nd odi 🏏#ZIMvsAFG pic.twitter.com/Ho207ypEDH
— Kohli fan (@duary_satyajit) December 19, 2024
Sediqullah Atal smashed Maiden ODI Hundred against Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/pM5eIMLuX6
— Rohit Baliyan (@rohit_balyan) December 19, 2024
Afganistan top order for Champions Trophy looking Solid
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Sediqullah Atal
Ibrahim Zadran #ZIMvAFG— Caught & Bowled (@caught1bowled) December 19, 2024
Wonderful Knock. Career Best Highest individual ODI score for Sediqullah Atal 104 and Abdul Malik 84. @ACBofficials #ZIMvAFG
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) December 19, 2024
Well played Sediqullah Atal. Top knock. Terrific century.
Should be a regular in ODIs.
— maddy (@224notout) December 19, 2024
Sediqullah Atal is special 🔥#ZIMvsAFG
— 🆁🅾🅻🅴🆇ᶜʳⁱᶜᵏᵉᵗᵍᵉᵉᵏ (@RoshanSriram123) December 19, 2024
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