ZIM vs AFG 2024: Rain plays spoilsport in first ODI, as Azmatullah Omarzai takes four

Zimbabwe and Afghanistan kicked off their ODI series by facing off in the first ODI. Both sides locked horns at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday, December 17. Both sides looked to get off to the best of starts, but the weather played spoilsport.

As rain played spoilsport, the game was called off after little play was possible. The clash began with Zimbabwe coming in to bat first after Afghanistan had won the toss. The side opened their innings with Ben Curran and Tadiwanashe Marumani coming onto the crease.

However, Afghanistan’s brilliant performance saw the hosts’ batting attack crumble. Curran was dismissed on a score of 15 runs, whereas Marumani was sent packing on a score of six runs as well. Furthermore, things went from bad to worse for Zimbabwe after Brian Bennett fell prey to Azmatullah Omarzai as well and departed for a duck.

After the top three batters’ dismal performance, Dion Myers came out to bat and amassed 12 runs to his name before he was dismissed by AM Ghazanfar. Furthermore, Sean Williams departed for a duck, with Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza starting unbeaten on scores of one run each.

Zimbabwe’s score read 44/5 when rain played spoilsport once more and the clash was abandoned with no result. As for Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai was the star of the day. Conceding 18 runs in 4.2 overs, Omarzai took four wickets and had the hosts on their knees. Furthermore, AM Ghazanfar took one wicket as well.

With the first ODI washed out, both sides will now look forward to the next game. It is worth noting that Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will next lock horns in the second ODI at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday, December 19, and will hope for clear skies and a result out of the clash.