March 6 (CRICKETNMORE) - Zimbabwe handed Afghanistan their second successive defeat in the tournament when the African side successfully defended 196 runs to win by two runs in a nail-biting finish at the Queens Sports Club.
It was Zimbabwe’s second straight victory and while it has enhanced their chances of reaching the Super Six stage, the defeat has left Afghanistan in serious trouble as they have to win their remaining two matches regains Nepal and Hong Kong to keep their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup alive.
Afghanistan were cruising at 163 for four before they slipped to 177 for nine. They needed six runs off the last over, but managed only three as Brian Vitori had Shahpoor Zadran caught at the wicket as the Asian side was bowled out for 194 in 49.3 overs.
However, 21-year-old fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani was Zimbabwe’s hero when he returned figures of 10-1-47-4 to create panic in the Afghanistan camp. Muzarabani was well supported by Sikandar Raza, who followed up his 60 with three for 40 to walk away with the player of the match award.
Brief Scores
Zimbabwe 196 all out, 43 overs (Brendan Taylor 89, Sikandar Raza 60, Graeme Cremer 19 not out; Rashid Khan 3-38, Mujeeb Rahman 3-49, Dawlat Zadran 2-17)
Afghanistan 194 all out, 49.3 overs (Rahmat Shah 69, Mohammad Nabi 51, Mohamad Shahzad 24; Sikandar Raza 3-40, Blessing Muzarabani )
Player of the match – Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe)
ICC Media Release