HARARE, Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe’s Under-19 cricket team clinched a hard-fought 19-run victory over Afghanistan in the fourth match of the tri-nation ODI series on Tuesday.
The win, anchored by a gritty half-century from Dhruv Patel and a disciplined bowling performance, saw the hosts successfully defend a modest total of 185 runs.
Patel’s grit anchors Zimbabwe’s Innings
Batting first at the Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe’s top order faltered early against the Afghan pace attack, slumping to 59 for 3.
The innings found stability through a crucial 76-run partnership between Dhruv Patel (60 off 74 balls) and Brandon Senzere (38).
Patel’s knock, featuring six fours and a six, provided the backbone of the innings.
However, regular wickets in the middle overs, led by Salam Khan (4/32) and Hafeez Zadran (3/48), prevented Zimbabwe from building a late surge.
The hosts were eventually bowled out for 185 in the 48th over, a total that seemed competitive on a tricky surface.
Madhidhi, spinners strangle Afghan chase
In response, Afghanistan’s chase began brightly with openers Faisal Shinozada and Osman Sadat putting on 51 runs.
The momentum shifted decisively after the introduction of Zimbabwe’s spinners and seamer Webster Madhidhi.
Madhidhi (3/20 in 8 overs) applied relentless pressure, claiming the key wickets of Sadat (35) and later mopping up the tail.
He was ably supported by spinners Shelton Mazvitorera (2/38) and Dhruv Patel (1/14), who choked the run flow in the middle overs.
Despite a composed 49 from captain Mahboob Khan, Afghanistan kept losing partners at regular intervals.
A late flurry from Nooristani Omarzai (18*) threatened briefly, but Brandon Senzere (2/37) sealed the match by taking the final wicket in the 41st over, bowling Afghanistan out for 166.
