Zimbabwe bowled out Afghanistan for 161 as they swept to a commanding 65-run victory on Monday to level the five-match one-day international series at two wins apiece.
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first in Sharjah, with half-centuries from openers Peter Moor (52) and Chamu Chibhabha (53) setting a solid platform after a first-wicket stand of 92.
The tourists failed to properly kick on as Afghanistan’s spinners applied the brakes later in the innings, with 17-year-old leg-spinner Rashid Khan claiming three wickets as Zimbabwe collapsed from 142-2 to 226 all out.
Paceman Dawlat Zadran took 3-54, while left-arm spinner Amir Hamza claimed 2-31.
However, Afghanistan made a poor start in reply as they lost opener Noor Ali Zadran in the first over and never recovered, losing wickets at regular intervals.
Zimbabwe all-rounder Chibhabha also starred with the ball as he picked up four wickets, including that of key batsman Mohammad Shahzad, who top-scored for Afghanistan with 45, to help the tourists secure a second straight win.
Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed 31.
The final match is to be played today at the same venue.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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