🏆Afghanistan Dominate to Claim 2026 UAE ODI Tri-Series Title
The 2026 UAE ODI Tri-Series concluded in spectacular fashion as Afghanistan produced dominant performances across the tournament to lift the coveted trophy in Sharjah. Featuring Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe, the series ran from October 17 to October 23 across Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, delivering high-quality ODI cricket, standout centuries, and historical bowling milestones.
Here is the complete match-by-match breakdown of how the entire tri-series unfolded from the opening encounter to the grand final.
🏏 1st ODI (Oct 17, Abu Dhabi): Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh
Result: Zimbabwe won by 99 runs.
The series kicked off in Abu Dhabi with Zimbabwe winning the toss and electing to bat first. They posted a formidable total of 271/8 in their allotted 50 overs, built on the back of an impressive 150-run fourth-wicket partnership between Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor. Ervine led from the front with a top score of 93, while Taylor contributed a solid 81. Taskin Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, taking 3/44.
In response, Bangladesh struggled to find momentum during their chase and were bundled out for 172 in 33.4 overs. Tanzid Hasan offered resistance with a 46-run knock, but Brad Evans tore through the batting order with figures of 4/45 to seal a comprehensive 99-run victory for Zimbabwe.
Player of the Match: Craig Ervine
🏏 2nd ODI (Oct 19, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi): Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe
Result: Afghanistan won by 158 runs.
Moving to the Sheikh Zayed Stadium for the second match, Afghanistan batted first and set a massive target after scoring 294 runs. Top-order brilliance anchored the innings as Sediqullah Atal struck a fantastic century, scoring 102 off 110 balls. Ibrahim Zadran provided excellent support with a fluent 90 off 96 delivery. Blessing Muzarabani picked up 2 wickets for Zimbabwe amidst the run fest.
Faced with a steep chase of 295, Zimbabwe’s batting order fell apart against Afghanistan's relentless bowling attack. Rashid Khan starred with the ball, picking up 4 key wickets to bowl Zimbabwe out for 136 in 38.4 overs, wrapping up a crushing 158-run triumph.
Player of the Match: Sediqullah Atal
🏏 3rd ODI (Oct 21, Sharjah): Afghanistan vs Bangladesh
Result: Afghanistan won by 7 wickets (with 87 balls remaining).
The action shifted to Sharjah for a crucial fixture where Bangladesh took to bat first. Parvez Hossain Emon fought hard with a top score of 70, supported by Saif Hassan’s 41. However, spin wizard Rashid Khan once again dismantled the opposition with an outstanding spell of 4/31. Supported by Yamin Ahmadzai (2/21) and Azmatullah Omarzai (2 wickets), Afghanistan bowled Bangladesh out for 160 in 41.2 overs.
Chasing 161 for victory, Afghanistan cruised to the target with ease. Rahmat Shah scored an unbeaten 67* off 90 balls, while skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi remained structured with 36* off 54 balls to reach 161/3 in 35.3 overs. This dominant win officially eliminated Bangladesh from the tournament and booked Afghanistan’s spot in the final.
Player of the Match: Rashid Khan
🏆 4th ODI / FINAL (Oct 23, Sharjah): Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe
Result: Afghanistan won by 7 wickets (with 93 balls remaining).
In the grand final at Sharjah, Zimbabwe batted first, searching for a competitive total. Sikandar Raza held the innings together with a fighting 68 off 83 balls, along with contributions from Ryan Burl (31 off 45) and Blessing Muzarabani (17 off 39). However, Afghanistan's disciplined bowling unit restricted Zimbabwe to 169 all out in 43.3 overs.
The match marked a monumental historic milestone for veteran Mohammad Nabi, who took 2/25 to reach his 300th ODI wicket. Rashid Khan continued his brilliant tournament form with 3/41, while Bilal Sami (2/27) and Fazalhaq Farooqi (2 wickets) chipped in effectively.
Chasing a target of 170 to secure the title, Afghanistan made light work of the run chase. Ibrahim Zadran anchored the team with a match-winning 70 off 96 balls, guiding Afghanistan to 170/3 in just 34.3 overs to seal the 2026 UAE ODI Tri-Series trophy in grand style.
Player of the Match: Ibrahim Zadran
Player of the Tournament: Rashid Khan
📊 Summary of Tournament Winners
Afghanistan’s clinical performances across all departments proved why they remain one of the most dangerous white-ball teams in international cricket today. With top-order consistency and world-class spin bowling, they deservingly lifted the Tri-Series title in Sharjah.
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