Shahzad hit seven boundaries and three sixes during his knock of 80

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Afghanistan opener Mohammad Shahzad scored 80 to lead his side to a three-wicket win over Zimbabwe and bring them level at 2-2 in the series.

However, Zimbabwe batsman Sikandar Raza deserves a lot of credit as he scored a valiant 86.

Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura would have been mulling over his decision to bat first as Raza was the only batsman to make a major contribution.

Aside from Raza’s innings of 86, which came off 113 balls and included five boundaries and a six, Chamu Chibhabha and Luke Jongwe were the only other batsmen to surpass the 20-run mark. As a result, Zimbabwe were restricted to 184/8 off their 50 overs.

Raza made a gutsy 86

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Dawlat Zadran was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Rashid Khan snapped up two and Amir Hamza and Mohammad Nabi chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Chasing 185 to win, Afghanistan got off to a superb start before they began to lose wickets at regular intervals. Had it not been for Shahzad’s 80 off 81 balls, which included seven boundaries and three sixes, Zimbabwe would have likely walked away with the win and the series as well.

Tendai Chisoro was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Sean Williams took two and Jongwe and Wellington Masakadza claimed one wicket each.