Sport · Sri Lanka Bureau
Afghanistan firm favourites as tri-series final kicks off in Sharjah
Afghanistan enters the ODI tri-series final against Zimbabwe as commanding favourites following dominant performances in the round-robin stage. The tournament marks Sharjah's first ODI final in more than two decades.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Afghanistan will be seeking to cap a commanding tournament performance when they face Zimbabwe in the one-day international tri-series final in Sharjah on Sunday.
The Afghan side has emerged as the standout team in the competition, securing comprehensive victories over both Zimbabwe and Bangladesh during the round-robin phase. Their most recent win came against Bangladesh, whom they defeated by seven wickets in a display of controlled batting and bowling.
Afghanistan's well-rounded performances have been built on consistent contributions from both their batting lineup and bowling attack. Their progression to the final follows a pattern of clinical cricket that has left little doubt about their credentials in the tournament.
The final represents a significant milestone for Sharjah as a cricket venue, hosting its first ODI tournament final since 2000. Zimbabwe will be looking to upset the odds and secure a surprise victory against the in-form Afghans, though Afghanistan's recent form suggests the task will be a formidable one.
The winner of Sunday's encounter will claim the tri-series title and conclude what has been a competitive tournament in the Gulf Emirates.