AFP
Sharjah
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 2-2.
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 though as Afghanistan's spinners applied the brakes later in the innings, with 17-year-old legspinner Rashid Khan claiming three wickets as Zimbabwe collapsed from 142-2 to 226 all out. 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. The two countries will meet again in Sharjah on Wednesday in the fifth and final match.
Brief scores
Zimbabwe 226 all out in 49.1 overs (Chamu Chibhabha 53, Peter Moor 52; Rashid Khan 3-54, Dawlat Zadran 3-54) beat Afghanistan 161 all out in 45 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 45; Chibhabha 4-25) by 65 runs.
