An innings that saw Afghanistan slump to 37 for three up top, then crawl to 103 for three at the 25-over mark, had been flipped upside down by Zadran and two rapid late partnerships in which Azmatullah and Mohammad Nabi showed their all-round worth.
Not even Joe Root’s first ODI century since the 2019 World Cup – 120 from 111 balls – could prevent the latest chapter in a once great team’s slide southwards.
Nabi, the old warhorse, conqueror of 45 countries during his side’s remarkable rise from the refugee camps, helped pummel 23 runs off Root in 47th over, his stand with Zadran overall worth 111 in just 55 balls.
First went Phil Salt, bowled by Azmatullah for 12 playing a wild hack, then Jamie Smith, for nine, trying to launch Nabi’s very first ball for six.
Driven by Ibrahim Zadran’s 177 from 146 balls, Afghanistan recovered from the loss of three early wickets to post 325 for seven, before their enterprising attack turned the screw under lights.
