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Shahzad 80 sets up series-levelling win

Sikandar Raza struck five fours and a six in a determined 113-ball 86. Photo: ESPN Cricinfo

Afghanistan leveled the series against Zimbabwe with a three-wicket win in the fourth one-day international at Queens Sports Club, with Mohammad Shahzad’s 80 setting up their pursuit of Zimbabwe's 184 for 8.

 

Afghanistan appeared to be cruising to the win while Shahzad was at the crease, but in spin-friendly conditions they laboured over the latter stages of their chase, slipping from 119 for 1 to 178 for 7 before 17-year-old legspinner Rashid Khan sealed the match with a six over long-off.

 

They might have been chasing an even lower total had it not been for Sikandar Raza’s gritty 86. Only two other Zimbabwe batsmen crossed 20 as Afghanistan's disciplined approach with the ball stifled the top order. Zimbabwe had stumbled to 82 for 6 before Raza and Luke Jongwe cobbled together a recovery with their 65-run partnership, which was the highest of the innings.

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Shahzad 80 sets up series-levelling win

Sikandar Raza struck five fours and a six in a determined 113-ball 86. Photo: ESPN Cricinfo

Afghanistan leveled the series against Zimbabwe with a three-wicket win in the fourth one-day international at Queens Sports Club, with Mohammad Shahzad’s 80 setting up their pursuit of Zimbabwe's 184 for 8.

 

Afghanistan appeared to be cruising to the win while Shahzad was at the crease, but in spin-friendly conditions they laboured over the latter stages of their chase, slipping from 119 for 1 to 178 for 7 before 17-year-old legspinner Rashid Khan sealed the match with a six over long-off.

 

They might have been chasing an even lower total had it not been for Sikandar Raza’s gritty 86. Only two other Zimbabwe batsmen crossed 20 as Afghanistan's disciplined approach with the ball stifled the top order. Zimbabwe had stumbled to 82 for 6 before Raza and Luke Jongwe cobbled together a recovery with their 65-run partnership, which was the highest of the innings.

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