Afghanistan completed a dominant tri-series campaign by defeating Zimbabwe by 7 wickets in the final at Sharjah on October 23, 2026. The team won three matches across five days, including a 158-run victory over Zimbabwe in the group stage on October 21 and a 7-wicket win against Bangladesh. Afghanistan chased down Zimbabwe's total with 93 balls remaining in the final, securing the tournament title with a comprehensive performance.
Head coach Richard Pybus expressed satisfaction with the team's overall trajectory and the manner in which players took ownership of their roles throughout the tournament. Pybus highlighted how the squad demonstrated consistency and adaptability across all three matches, building on positive momentum from a recent series in Ireland.
"I just think the side's in a good place. We came off the back of a positive series in Ireland. We're looking to build a side which can adapt to different conditions. We need to develop a side which can perform in any conditions around the world. And I think we're starting to get some depth in the squad and guys turning up and putting the performances in," Pybus said as quoted by Cricbuzz.
How did Afghanistan perform in the tri-series?
Afghanistan's tri-series campaign demonstrated consistent excellence across all three matches. The team defeated Zimbabwe by 158 runs in the group stage, then secured a 7-wicket victory against Bangladesh before winning the final against Zimbabwe by 7 wickets with 93 balls to spare. Pybus highlighted how players took ownership of their individual roles throughout the tournament.
"When we sit and plan as a team for guys to take responsibility for their position in the team, I think we saw it in Ireland and we've seen it again in this series where guys are really getting stuck into their work. They're not handling responsibility for other players to come in and pick up the pieces where they have not executed on what they need to do in their role. So that's really pleasing," Pybus said.
What did Pybus say about the team's development?
The head coach acknowledged that Afghanistan faced limitations in accessing consistent opportunities against the world's strongest teams. He noted the quality of opposition available to the squad and the importance of such exposure for long-term development.
"We don't get the quality of opportunity with regards to some of the other full-member sides in terms of being able to play the top sides consistently, which I think is really critical for our development as a side…We know that Bangladesh are a very dangerous side and Zimbabwe turned over Bangladesh and put in a really comprehensive performance, so I don't want to take anything away from our guys," Pybus said.
How are players handling their individual responsibilities?
Captain Rahmat Shah's leadership impressed Pybus, who praised his inclusive approach and calm demeanour throughout the tournament. Pybus observed that Shah combined strong captaincy with exceptional batting performances, setting the tone for the team's success.
"He's been wonderful as captain. He's a very calm, assured player. He leads with quiet authority. He listens to the players, his senior players. He's very inclusive and so he's got a happy team and he encourages participation from throughout the side whether we're doing planning, preparation or out on the field in terms of performance," Pybus said.
Pybus emphasised that Rahmat's batting performance matched his captaincy quality.
"I think what is equally important as a captain is turning up and actually carrying that responsibility with the bat and he's been exceptional," Pybus added.
What is Rahmat Shah's record as captain?
The head coach recalled Rahmat's recent Test match form prior to the tri-series.
"We saw it in Ireland, we saw it during the Test match where he was phenomenal. His performance during the Test match didn't get the credit that it should have done because of batting in the fourth innings and Sediqullah's [Sediqullah Atal] performance and the overall performance of the side, but he was outstanding with his century and his fifty," said Pybus.
Rahmat Shah has not lost an ODI match as captain since taking over from Hashmatullah Shahidi, winning seven consecutive games in the format. Pybus reflected on this remarkable streak with confidence in the captain's future leadership.
"Seven wins on the trot. It's not always going to be as sweet as that but you know he's made a really great start and I've got absolutely no doubt he'll continue to lead the team in a very positive and inspiring way," Pybus said.
