Afghans take 2-0 lead

Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by 54 runs to take a 2-0 lead in their five-match ODI series on Sunday thanks to spinners Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi who finished with six wickets between them.

Chasing 239 to win, Zimbabwe were well-set at 139-3 in the 32nd over before imploding, losing seven wickets for just 45 runs.

Teenage leg-break bowler Rashid was named man of the match for his 3-25, a haul which included opener Solomon Mire who top-scored with 54 as well as dangerous big-hitter Hamilton Masakadza (five).

For Afghanistan, opener Mohammad Shahzad made 64 for his eighth one-day international fifty, Rahmat Shah hit 53 while Najibullah Zadran contributed a breezy 45.

The third game of the series takes place at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

SCORES IN BRIEF

Afghanistan: 238 for 9 in 50 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 64, Rahmat Shah 53, Najibullah Zadran 45) 

Zimbabwe: 184 all out in 42.1 overs (Solomon Mire 54; Rashid Khan 3-25)

Result: Afghanistan won by 54 runs.