Shahzad celebrates after scoring his fourth ODI century

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad made history in his side’s spectacular four-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the second ODI in Sharjah.

Not only did Shahzad hand his side a 2-0 lead in the series, but he also made an unbeaten 131, which is the highest score for an Afghanistan player in ODIs.

Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura would have been content with his decision to bat first initially as Peter Moor ensured the tourists got off to a strong start with a solid knock of 50, which came off 51 balls and included five boundaries and three sixes.

After Moor’s dismissal, it was Hamilton Masakadza and Craig Ervine’s time to shine as the former made 47 before he was clean bowled by Mohammad Nabi, while the latter went on to make 73 off 98 deliveries, which included seven boundaries and a six.

Ervine scored his eighth ODI fifty

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Even though the rest of the batting line-up failed to make decent contributions, Zimbabwe still managed to finish on 253/7 off their 50 overs.

Dawlat Zadran was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Nabi and debutant Rokhan Barakzai chipped in with two wickets apiece.

Chasing 254 to win, Afghanistan got off to a great start as Noor Ali Zadran and Nabi made 31 and 33 respectively. However, once both of them were dismissed, Afghanistan collapsed as they went from 169/2 to 198/6.

Despite a flurry of wickets, Shahzad kept his cool and maintained his composure to lead his side across the finish line with 14 balls to spare.

Shahzad ended up finishing on 131 off 133 balls, which included seven boundaries and eight sixes, while Mirwais Ashraf remained undefeated on 26 off 27 deliveries, which included one boundary and two sixes.

Chigumbura was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Sikandar Raza and Graeme Cremer claimed one wicket each.

Shahzad was named Man of the Match.