Afghans revive slim chance

Afghanistan cruised to an easy and much-needed six-wicket win over Nepal in their final Group B fixture of the ICC World Cup qualifiers at Bulawayo Athletic Club yesterday, to just about keep their hopes of Super Six qualification alive.

Chasing just 195 for victory, Afghanistan wrapped up their first win after three defeats with 11.2 overs to spare with Najibullah Zadran hitting an unbeaten 50 after Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi had combined to evenly share eight wickets between them to shoot Nepal out for 194.

At the Harare Sports Club ground Rovman Powell (101) struck a poised century under pressure and Jason Holder (54) spearheaded his second consecutive recovery effort, this time against quality Irish bowling to guide West Indies to 257 for 8 from a precarious 83 for 5.

Ireland, in their chase, were bowled out for 205 in 46.2 overs, handing West Indies a 52-run victory. Pace bowler Kemer Roach picked up for 24 in his devastating 10 overs.

Meanwhile, hosts Zimbabwe sailed to their third straight win with a massive 89-run victory against Hong Kong. Defending 263 for 9, they bowled Hong Kong out for 147 in 46.5 overs. Hong Kong however, still have a chance to progress to the Super Six from Group B provided they beat Nepal in their last league game at Bulawayo tomorrow.