Shahzad makes 80 as Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe won the toss and put the tourists in to bat first in the last encounter, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) spokesman Farid Hotak told Pajhwok Afghan News over the telephone from Bulawayo.

Afghanistan have sealed a historic 3-2 series win after claiming an emphatic 73-run win over Zimbabwe in the fifth ODI in Bulawayo.

It was Afghanistan’s first series win against a Test side.

Afghanistan’s first ODI win over a full member country came against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup in March 2014.

Noor Ali Zadran (54) and Mohammad Nabi (53) had given Afghanistan a strong start before a mid-innings collapse meant they posted 245-9 from their 50 overs.

For Zimbabwe, Wellington Masakadza and Sikandar Raza picked up three wickets each.

But a gritty 38 from 58 balls by Asghar Stanikzai and a few late biffing from Mirwais Ashraf (21 off 18) and Dawlat Zadran (13 off 10) helped the Asian outfit towards 250.

Zimbabwe – who have been let down by their batting during the series – once again floundered as three wickets fell inside the opening four overs – Dawlat Zadran (4-22) immediately into the action with two dismissals.

Chasing a 246-run winning target, Zimbabwe were skittled out for 172 in the 45th over despite Sean Williams making a fine 102 off 124 balls with three boundaries and four sixes. I’m very happy with my team’s performance and my performance.