HARARE: Zimbabwe’s bowling unit made a late comeback to successfully defend the 186-run target against Afghanistan in the fourth match of the U19 tri-series at the Sunrise Sports Club on Wednesday.
The victory marked Zimbabwe’s first win after the hosts saw their first two matches abandoned due to rain, and moved them to the top of the table with four points, having played less than second-placed Pakistan.
Despite a half-century from opener Dhruv Patel, the home side were bowled out for less than 185 runs before being bowled out in 47.3 overs.
The right-handed batsman, who came out to bat when Zimbabwe were reeling at 8/1 in four overs, continued to top Chevrons with a 60 off 74 balls with six fours and a six.
He oversaw the home side’s batting unit until he fell to Usairullah Niaz in the 34th over and was involved in a crucial 76-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Brandon Sensere, who made a notable contribution with a cautious 38 runs.
Among Afghanistan’s bowlers, Salam Khan claimed four wickets for just 32 runs in his four overs, followed by Hafeez Sadran with three wickets, Nuristani Omarzai and Usairullah Niazi picking up a scalp each.
Chasing a modest 186, Afghanistan reached 122/4 in 29 overs with their skipper Mahbub Khan and Azizullah Miyagil (16) comfortable with some sensible batting in the middle.
Needing 64 off 21 overs, Afghanistan suffered a dramatic collapse as Patel was dismissed in the 30th over.
Mahbub, on the other hand, tried to restore Afghanistan’s continuity by putting together a one-sided 21-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Najibullah Amiri, but both were dismissed in subsequent overs.
The Afghanistan captain scored a brave 49 off 80 balls, with Amiri scoring 7 runs.
Despite Omarzai’s unbeaten 18 at the back, their back-and-forth performances exposed Afghanistan’s toothless batting wall.
Webster Madithi led Zimbabwe’s bowling with economical bowling figures of 3/20 from his eight overs. He was supported by Sheldon Masvidorera and Brandon Senser with two wickets each, while Benny Juice and Patel took one wicket each.
For his all-round performance, Patel was adjudged Man of the Match.