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SHARJAH. — Rashid Kan claimed 5 for 24 – his third five-wicket haul in ODI cricket – to dismantle Zimbabwe for 154 in 34.3 overs and usher Afghanistan to a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Rashid struck twice in his third over to remove Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl. By then, Zimbabwe had lost half their side for 117. When Rashid pinned Craig Ervine lbw, Zimbabwe slumped further to 126 for 7. The leg-spinner went onto blast out the tail and finish with figures of 5 for 24 in 8.3 overs.

Sixteen-year-old Mujeeb Zadran, who had made light work of the top order, ended with 3 for 45 in his 10 overs. Only three Zimbabwe batsmen passed 20 with Craig Ervine top-scoring with 39.

Chasing a slim target, Afghanistan lost their openers Mohammad Shahzad and Ihsanullah to Tendai Chatara inside eight overs.

However, a 69-run third-wicket stand between Rahmat Shah and Nasir Jamal stabilised the innings. Both batsmen went onto bring up their half-centuries as Afghanistan made deep inroads into the target.

While Rahmat fell to Ryan Burl fell for 56 off 52 balls, Graeme Cremer brought Nasir’s 51-run effort to an end in the 27th over.  Najibullah Zadran then wrapped up the chase in the following over with back-to-back fours.

Scoreboard
Afghanistan 158 for 4 (Rahmat 56, Jamal 51, Chatara 2-18) beat Zimbabwe 154 ( Ervine 39, Rashid 5-24, Mujeeb 3-45) by six wickets — Cricinfo.