In an electrifying show of cricket on the Harare Sports activities Membership, Afghanistan‘s younger batting sensation, Sediqullah Atal, etched his title into the annals of Afghan cricket historical past by scoring his maiden One Day Worldwide (ODI) century towards Zimbabwe within the second match of their sequence. This efficiency not solely highlighted Atal’s rising prowess but additionally underlined Afghanistan’s strengthening cricketing stature on the worldwide stage.
The match context
The second ODI between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe was essential after the primary match resulted in a washout, intensifying the significance of the sport for each groups. Opting to bat first after profitable the toss, Afghanistan was trying to capitalize on the momentum from their current T20I sequence win towards Zimbabwe. The circumstances had been good for batting, with the pitch providing little help to the bowlers, setting the stage for what would turn into a memorable innings.
Sediqullah Atal’s batting masterclass
Opening the innings, Atal, alongside Abdul Malik, supplied Afghanistan with a stable begin. The duo stitched collectively a formidable opening partnership, setting the tone for the innings. Atal, recognized for his aggressive but calculated strategy, showcased his class with a mix of stylish drives, highly effective pulls, and good working between the wickets.
Milestones: Atal reached his half-century off 81 deliveries, a testomony to his endurance and approach. His innings was punctuated by a number of boundaries, demonstrating his means to search out gaps with precision. His maiden ODI hundred got here in fashion with an imposing six off Richard Ngarava, taking him to 102 runs off 125 balls.
Key Moments: His century was not simply concerning the runs but additionally the style of scoring. A very memorable second was when he reached his hundred with a top-edged pull that also cleared the boundary, showcasing his luck and ability in equal measure.
Partnerships: Atal’s partnership with Malik was essential, amassing over 100 runs for the primary wicket. Even after Malik’s departure for a well-made 84, Atal continued to anchor the innings, making certain that Afghanistan didn’t lose momentum.
Afghanistan’s innings overview
Complete Rating: Afghanistan posted a formidable 286/6 of their 50 overs, a rating that appeared inside attain given the beginning supplied by Atal.
Different Contributors: Whereas Atal was the star of the present, different gamers like Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi chipped in with helpful contributions. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s late cameo was very important in pushing the rating near 300, though the staff fell wanting that mark.
Bowling Efficiency by Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe’s bowlers, significantly Newman Nyamhuri and Ngarava, tried to make inroads, with Nyamhuri ultimately dismissing Atal for 104. Nonetheless, the harm had largely been achieved by then, with Afghanistan setting a difficult whole.
Right here is how Twitter reacted
A Hundred of the best class for the younger 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 pleasure it has been to see him out within the center @ACBofficials has unearthed one other gem of an opener
Good knock
Nice sport consciousness
Fast between the wickets and majestic pictures… pic.twitter.com/o9GEkh8g1L— Ahmad Farhad Fidai (@AhFarhadFidai) December 19, 2024
RECORDS TUMBLING!
Afghanistan throughout Zimbabwe in the meanwhile. Opening pair of Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik have already registered seventh highest opening partnership for Afghanistan in ODI cricket.
What extra wonderful is that each these openers have simply 6 ODIs in whole. This… pic.twitter.com/zPoTT3fhf3
— Udit (@Merovaeous) December 19, 2024
What an unimaginable batting effort by the proficient left-arm top-order batter Sediqullah Atal. He was into his 4th ODI inning and what he has already achieved. An ODI HUNDRED! 👏
Incredible 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 towards Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/pM5eIMLuX6
— Rohit Baliyan (@rohit_balyan) December 19, 2024
Afganistan high order for Champions Trophy wanting Stable
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Sediqullah Atal
Ibrahim Zadran #ZIMvAFG— Caught & Bowled (@caught1bowled) December 19, 2024
Fantastic Knock. Profession Greatest Highest particular person ODI rating for Sediqullah Atal 104 and Abdul Malik 84. @ACBofficials #ZIMvAFG
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) December 19, 2024
Effectively performed Sediqullah Atal. Prime knock. Terrific century.
Needs to be an everyday in ODIs.
— maddy (@224notout) December 19, 2024
Sediqullah Atal is particular 🔥#ZIMvsAFG
— 🆁🅾🅻🅴🆇ᶜʳⁱᶜᵏᵉᵗᵍᵉᵉᵏ (@RoshanSriram123) December 19, 2024
