Afghanistan v Zimbabwe in the UAE, 2015-16
Wisden's review of the fifth ODI, Afghanistan v Zimbabwe in the UAE, 2015-16
15-Apr-2016
At Sharjah, January 6, 2016 (day/night). Afghanistan won by two wickets. ‡Zimbabwe 248 (49.5 overs) (P. J. Moor 42, H. Masakadza 110, R. Mutumbami 40; Hamza Hotak 3-41); Afghanistan 254-8 (49.4 overs) (Noor Ali Zadran 30, Hashmatullah Shahidi 32, Gulbadeen Naib 82*, Rashid Khan 31; L. M. Jongwe 3-50). MoM: Gulbadeen Naib. MoS: Mohammad Shahzad.
Masakadza's fourth ODI century - but his first for more than six years - lifted Zimbabwe to a handy total, helped by some erratic fielding; Afghanistan's coach Inzamam-ul-Haq was visibly annoyed. He was even more worried later when they dipped to 146-6, but the recalled Gulbadeen Naib saved the day, putting on 85 with Rashid Khan then - with ten needed from the last over - hit Neville Madziva for two twos and a four to level the scores (there was also a wide). Gulbadeen ran off in celebration, before realising one more was needed; he deposited his next ball over square leg for his sixth six. Afghanistan won the Alokozay Cup 3-2.
Masakadza's fourth ODI century - but his first for more than six years - lifted Zimbabwe to a handy total, helped by some erratic fielding; Afghanistan's coach Inzamam-ul-Haq was visibly annoyed. He was even more worried later when they dipped to 146-6, but the recalled Gulbadeen Naib saved the day, putting on 85 with Rashid Khan then - with ten needed from the last over - hit Neville Madziva for two twos and a four to level the scores (there was also a wide). Gulbadeen ran off in celebration, before realising one more was needed; he deposited his next ball over square leg for his sixth six. Afghanistan won the Alokozay Cup 3-2.