Afghanistan batter Sediqullah Atal has strengthened his place in the national team’s top order with a string of strong performances, including a century against Zimbabwe, as Afghanistan builds toward the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
The 25-year-old left-hander scored 102 in Afghanistan’s 158-run victory over Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi on Monday, earning player of the match honors in the ODI tri-series that also includes Bangladesh.
According to the International Cricket Council, Atal is averaging more than 100 across his past three one-day international innings, extending a run of form that has also included a milestone performance in Test cricket.
Earlier this month, Atal scored 111 against Bangladesh, becoming the first Afghan batter to score a century in the fourth innings of a Test match. His innings helped Afghanistan secure a draw.
“I’m quite happy with the way I’m going these days,” Atal said after his century against Zimbabwe.
“I’m working hard, really hard, for these kind of days, to contribute to the team and put in a much more impactful innings for my team to win against every side,” he said.
Atal has made 54 senior international appearances for Afghanistan. Although he made his international debut around the time of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, he had to wait until the 2025 Champions Trophy to make his first appearance at a senior ICC tournament.
He made an impression at that tournament with an 85-run innings against Australia in Lahore before the match was abandoned because of rain.
Atal has since become a regular in Afghanistan’s top order alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran.
Against Zimbabwe, Atal and Zadran shared a 140-run partnership that laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s total of 294. Zadran contributed 90 before Afghanistan dismissed Zimbabwe for 136.
Atal praised Zadran for helping him through their partnership.
“He’s quite a good player to play with at the crease,” Atal said. “We have very good communication with each other and we know each other very well.”
Atal said Zadran encourages him to trust his ability and remain focused when opposing bowlers build pressure.
“He’s always telling me, ‘Trust yourself and you can do it,’” Atal said.
The ICC said Atal’s recent performances bode well for Afghanistan ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The post Atal’s form boosts Afghanistan ahead of 2027 World Cup appeared first on Amu TV.