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Twitter reactions: Sediqullah Atal sizzles with a magnificent maiden ton in the 2nd ODI – ZIM vs AFG

By Sandy Verma

In an electrifying display of cricket at the Harare Sports Club, Afghanistan‘s young batting sensation, Sediqullah Ataletched 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 Malikprovided 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 Shiptaking 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

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