Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Ball by Ball Commentary

OUT! CAUGHT! This is banged in short and outside off. Tendai Chatara tries to uppercut it over the third man fence but doesn't get a good connection. Mohammad Nabi over there takes a simple catch and Zimbabwe get bundled out on the final delivery of the innings as Farooqi ends with 2 wickets. Afghanistan win by 60 runs!

Follows it up with a yorker on leg stump. Chatara keeps it out.

Fazalhaq Farooqi bends his back and digs in a short one over middle. Tendai Chatara manages to get his head out of the way.

Full and on off, Tendai Chatara manages to dig it out.

Length this time, around off and this is punched towards the cover region.

Full and outside off, all the pace is taken off the ball. Chatara fails to get any bat on it.

Slower delivery around off, Tanaka Chivanga nudges it down to short third man. Wicket-maiden then from Fareed Ahmad.

Full again, around off. Tanaka Chivanga pushes it out towards covers.

Fullish ball around off, Chivanga looks to drive but misses.

Length ball around off, this is punched towards covers.

Tough chance, dropped! Full and straight, Tanaka Chivanga drills it straight back at the bowler who manages to stick out his hands but fails to pouch it on his followthrough.

Tanaka Chivanga is the last man in for Zimbabwe.

OUT! BOWLED! You miss, I hit stuff from Fareed Ahmad and he is elated! Fareed bowls this one from around the wicket and bowls it slower. It is full and angled into middle. Blessing Muzarabani stays deep in his crease and looks to smoke it over long on but gets undone by the lack of pace. The ball crashes into the middle stump that goes flying.

Fuller in length and around middle, Muzarabani drives it through wide mid on and collects a single.

Around middle and leg, clipped away behind square on the leg side for one more.

Farooqi switches to 'round the wicket and angles in a full ball on leg stump. Muzarabani squeezes it through backward square leg for a single.

Beaten! Pacy delivery, very full and close to the off pole. Muzarabani looks to swing across the line but gets beaten for pace.

Good-length, around off. Chatara stays back and hits it through covers for a single.

Nails the yorker outside off does Fazalhaq Farooqi. Tendai Chatara can't get any bat on it.

FOUR! This is angled down the leg side, Muzarabani tickles it fine and beats the fielder at short fine leg to find the boundary.

Nicely bowled! Another slower delivery, full and outside off. Muzarabani can't get any bat on it.

Swing and a miss! Full and angling into leg stump, Muzarabani backs away looking to club it over long on but misses. The ball misses the leg stump by a couple of inches.

Slower again and pushed wider, Chatara taps it to the right of the point fielder for a quick single.

Slower length ball, outside off. Tendai Chatara has a dab at it but misses.

This is dug in short and on the body. Blessing Muzarabani gets completely tucked up as he looks to pull. The ball goes off the top edge towards fine leg. Single taken.

On a shorter length and outside off. It is the stock delivery again and Chatara gets beaten past the outside edge. Rashid Khan ends with figures of, 10-0-39-2!

Fuller and at the stumps, this is pushed down to long on for a single.

On middle, Blessing Muzarabani nudges it behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

Beaten! On off and turning away sharply past the outside edge.

Blessing Muzarabani is in next.

OUT! Cleaned up! The last recognized batter for Zimbabwe, Donald Tiripano departs and that be game, set and match for Afghanistan. This is pushed through quicker from Rashid and on middle. Tiripano goes on the back foot to keep it out but Rashid surprises him with the regulation leg break. The ball turns away and crashes into the off pole.

Leg bye! Drifted onto the pads, Chatara looks to flick it away but misses. The ball goes off the pads towards short fine leg and they get a leg bye.

Another slower ball from Fazalhaq Farooqi. This time he keeps it on the stumps. Donald Tiripano blocks it out watchfully.

A slower length ball, on top of off. Donald Tiripano moves down to the leg side to whack it away but is undone by the pace here. Smart bowling by Fazalhaq Farooqi.

A length ball, wide outside off. Tendai Chatara slaps it through covers for a single.

FOUR! Tendai Chatara gets off the mark with a glorious cover drive. It is full and outside off. Tendai Chatara drives it through the gap at covers for a boundary. The crowd is enjoying every moment here.

Back of a length, on off. Donald Tiripano hangs on his back foot and pulls it to long on for a single.

Full length, outside off. Donald Tiripano punches it to point off the back foot.

Floated and full, on off. Chatara plays a lofted shot towards point but it lands safely.

On off, blocked out.

Tendai Chatara is in next.

OUT! LBW! Rashid Khan gets his man on the very next delivery. It is a googly, fuller and on off. Raza tries to defend it out but misses. He gets pinged on his pads. Khan appeals yet again and this time the umpire raises his dreaded finger. The dangerman Sikandar Raza departs and this could well be the final nail in the Zimbabwe coffin.

It is tossed up, full and on off. Raza tries to defend it on his front foot but misses. He might've gotten an edge on it. Khan appeals but the umpire is unmoved. Afghanistan take the review and lose it as the UltraEdge shows there is clear spike as the ball passes the blade.

WIDE! Looped up and angled down leg. Raza tries to flick it away but misses. Wide called.

Fuller, on the pads, Donald Tiripano tucks it to the leg side for one.

DROPPED! Full and outside off. Sikandar Raza throws his blade at it. The ball goes towards long off. The fielder there does all the hard work but is unable to pouch the ball safely. They take one.

Rashid Khan (8-0-33-0) is back on.

A slower ball this time. On a length, on middle and leg. Raza tries to flick it away but it lobs over the bowler's head off the leading edge. They take one as it lands safely.

NOT OUT! Sikandar Raza makes his ground comfortably in the end. Farooqi fires in a yorker, right on the money. Donald Tiripano gets his blade down in time to dig it out. It goes past the leg stump and in front of the keeper. The batters call for a single. Rahmanullah Gurbaz sprints to the ball and scores a direct hit at the striker's end. He looks excited but it was cut short as the replay suggested Raza was safe.

Is that a Run-Out? Brilliant work from Rahmanullah Gurbaz behind the stumps and Sikandar Raza could be in trouble as the umpires go upstairs. The third umpire checks the replay and Raza is comfortably in. NOT OUT!

A length ball, outside off. Raza dabs it to point for a single.

Back of a length, on off. Donald Tiripano dabs it down to third man for a single.

FOUR! Donald Tiripano is on a roll! Full length, on off. Donald Tiripano stands tall and crunches it through the gap at covers for a boundary.

Full length, outside off. Raza looks to drive it away but outside edges it down to short third man for a single.

FOUR! Donald Tiripano gets going here. It is overpitched outside off. Donald Tiripano gets under it and slams it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Tossed up, around off. Raza pushes it to long on for a single.

Full, on off, defended out.

Tossed up, on off. Donald Tiripano eases it past the bowler's hand for a single.

Floated and full, on off. Raza pushes it to the off side for a single.

Full, on the fourth stump line. Raza pushes it to mid off.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman comes in to replace Mohammad Nabi.

On the pads, Raza flicks it to the leg side for a single.

SIX! It goes all the way! This one is flighted, full and on off. Sikandar Raza gets low and slogs it over the long on fence for a biggie. A fielder puts in a great effort in the deep but it is not enough to get rid of Raza.

Full and on off, pushed to mid off.

Flatter, on the stumps. Raza defends it out.

On leg, Raza blocks it out watchfully.

FOUR! Short and punished! Back of a length, on middle and leg. Raza goes on his back foot and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Loopy ball, full and on off. Donald Tiripano pushes it to cover.

Flatter and on off. Donald Tiripano stays back and blocks it out solidly.

On off, blocked out.

Short ball, outside off. Donald Tiripano cuts it through covers for a brace.

Donald Tiripano walks out to bat now.

OUT! TIMBER! Mohammad Nabi gets his fourth wicket of the innings. It is quicker and angles it into off. Ryan Burl gets on the front foot and ends up playing the wrong line. The ball zips past his blade to shatter the stumps. Elation for Afghanistan while Zimbabwe seem to be in a spot of bother.

Quicker, full and on off. Burl blocks it back to the bowler.

Full and on off. Raza blocks it out watchfully.

FOUR! Sikandar Raza racks up his fourth fifty against Afghanistan in ODIs. It is short and outside off. Raza goes back and cuts it through backward point for a boundary.

Tossed up, full and on off. Burl pushes it out to cover for a single.

Fuller, on the pads, Burl clips it to the leg side.

A loud appeal for lbw but turned down! It is a googly, full and on off. Raza tries to block it out but misses and gets pinged on his pads. The umpire is not interested.

On off, defended out.

Quicker and full, on middle and leg. Burl eases it to mid on.

Angled into the pads, Raza tucks it in front of square for a single.

Full and on off. Burl defends it to covers with soft hands and gets across for a quick single.

Floated and full, on off. Burl plays it to the left of the bowler.

Length ball, on off. Raza works it to mid on for one.

Fuller, on off. Burl drives it down the ground for a single.

Short ball, outside off. Raza cuts it to deep point for a brace.

Tossed up, on off, blocked back to the bowler.

On off, pushed to cover for one.

NOT OUT! It is flatter and on the pads, Burl flicks it aerially to deep square leg. The batters look for two and Burl has to put in a dive in the end to get him to safety. The replays suggest the same. They get two in the end.

The umpires have gone upstairs for a Run-out appeal. The replay shows that Rahmanullah Gurbaz whipped off the bails but Ryan Burl put in the dive and that saved him. NOT OUT!

Fuller, on off. Burl leans in and blocks it to covers. He looks for a single but was sent back by Raza.

Full, on the fourth stump line. Burl defends it to backward point.

FOUR! A much-needed boundary for Zimbabwe. It is full and wide outside off. Raza gets on the front foot and lofts it over extra cover for a boundary.

On off, defended out.

Darted on the pads, Burl hangs back and clips it to square leg for one.

Flatter, on middle and leg. Raza hits it down to long on for a single.

Darted on the pads, Raza flicks it through square leg for a brace.

Fuller and on leg, Raza fends it out on the leg side.

A dot to end the over. Right around the top of off and Burl solidly blocks it out. 136 needed now off 90 balls.

Short of a length, over middle. Raza pulls it down to deep square leg for one.

FOUR! Edgy boundary but Sikandar Raza won't mind. Length again and outside off, Raza throws his hands at it and gets a thick outside edge down to the vacant third man region for a boundary.

Length and around off, Raza keeps it out on the off side.

NOT OUT! Very good review from Sikandar Raza and he survives! Fareed Ahmad bangs it in short and around off, angling it in. The ball just doesn't rise up at ll as Raza looks to pull. Raza is beaten all ends up and gets pinged on the pads. Huge appeal from the bowler and the finger is raised. Raza reviews it straightaway. Nothing on UltraEdge but Ball Tracking shows that the impact is just outside the line of the off stump.

Good running! Short of a length, outside off. Sikandar Raza hammers it away off the back foot towards sweeper cover and the batters set off for the second run. Raza has to hurry but makes it in with time to spare.

Quicker one, turning in from around off. Raza manages to push it out on the off side for a quick single.

On off, driven straight to the man at mid off.

Around off, Burl steps out and pushes it through mid off for a single.

Floated up, full and around off. Burl pushes it towards covers.

FOUR! Through everyone! Mohammad Nabi sees Ryan Burl charging down the track and shortens his length. Nabi bowls the quick slider that goes between bat and pad but just takes a faint inside edge. The keeper is also beaten and the ball races away into the fine leg fence.

Tossed up, full and on off. Raza pushes it down to long on for a single.

Back of a length, on the body. Raza hops and nudges it down towards mid-wicket for one. 150 needed now off 102 deliveries.

A bit fuller this time, angling into off stump. Raza defends it off the front foot.

Bowled on a hard length and angled in from well outside off. Sikandar Raza hangs back and punches it out towards covers.

Shorter in length and outside off, Burl hangs back and dabs it down past backward point for a run.

Length this time, angling into middle and leg. Raza flicks it towards deep square leg for a run.

Back of a length, angling in from outside off. Raza defends it back onto the deck.

Ryan Burl is the new batter in.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Brilliant review from Rahmanullah Gurbaz from behind the stumps and Mohammad Nabi gets his third wicket of the game. This is nicely flighted on off stump, slower through the air, allowing the ball to grip. The ball does so beautifully and turns away. Milton Shumba gets drawn forward and ends up getting a faint outside edge which is pouched by the keeper. The on-field decision is Not Out but Gurbaz wastes no time going for the review. UltraaEdge shows a spike as the ball goes past the bat and the decision is reversed.

It's the slider this time from Nabi and angled into the pads. Shumba misses the block and gets hit on the pads. Stifled appeal from Nabi but probably drifting past the leg stump.

Fuller and on the pads, nudged down to the man at short fine leg.

Floated up, full and around middle. Milton Shumba backs away and drives it towards point.

On a length and on middle, turning in. Raza waits for it and turns it through square leg for a single.

Quicker one, at 92.5 kph and around off. Raza strides forward to defend.

DRINKS! Zimbabwe need 154 runs in 19 overs with 6 wickets in hand. The target is still achievable and the chances of the hosts getting over the line are better with Raza on the crease. He will surely need some support from the other end. Afghanistan though have been able to dominate in the middle overs thanks to their spinning trio. A couple more wickets and they would sure be in the contest.

On the pads, tucked away through backward square leg for one.

Flatter once again from Mujeeb and there's some width on offer as well. Raza cuts it off the back foot behind point and picks up a couple of runs.

This is full and straight, pushed back towards the bowler.

On middle, Raza blocks it out.

FOUR! Quicker and flatter around off, Sikandar Raza just uses the pace of the ball and nudges it past short third man to pick up a boundary.

Quicker one, on a length and darted into middle and leg. Raza defends it out.

Full, on the pads, Raza clips it to square leg and gets a single to retain the strike.

Fuller, on middle and leg. Raza clips it to the leg side.

On off, pushed to covers.

FOUR! Incredible shot! It is slower, full and on off. Raza gets under it and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.

Flighted and full, on off. Raza clips it to mid-wicket.

Flatter and short, on off. Shumba punches it through covers for a single.

An arm ball, outside off. Shumba cuts it through point for a single.

Another single as this is worked down the ground to long off.

Tossed up, full and outside off. Raza tries to chase it but misses.

This is full and on the stumps. Shubma eases it down the ground for a single.

Shumba is off the mark. Flatter and on off. Shumba punches it through point for a brace.

Full, on middle and leg. Raza eases it to long on for a single.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman is back into the attack.

On off, blocked out.

Fuller, on off. Shumba defends it to the leg side.

Angled in at the stumps. Shumba makes room and pushes it to cover.

Full and on off. Shumba gets it to mid on off the inner half.

Milton Shumba comes in at number 6.

OUT! LBW! Mohammad Nabi appeals and the umpire agrees. Although Kaia is quick to take the review. It is a loopy ball, around off which turns in off the deck. Kaia tries to defend it out on his front foot but misses and gets pinged on his pads. The finger goes up and Kaia challenges. UltraEdge shows no bat is involved. The Ball Tracking confirms three reds and Kaia is a goner. Zimbabwe are now four wickets down.

A single now as this full delivery is dabbed down to point.

On off, defended out solidly. Only 3 runs off the over. The spinners are doing well to restrict the run flow here.

It is full and on off. Raza comes down the track and lofts it towards long on. It meets the fielder on a bounce. They take one.

Tossed up, outside off. Kaia dabs it to point for one.

Loopy ball, on off, blocked to the right of the bowler.

On off, blocked out.

Full and outside off. Raza pushes it to cover for one.

On off, defended out. Just a single off the over.

Arm ball again but a tad quicker. Kaia fails to dig it out.

An arm ball, around off. Raza pushes it to cover for one.

A bit quicker and on a length around off. The ball turns in sharply as Raza goes on the back foot to keep it down on the deck.

This is floated up on off stump, Sikandar Raza defends it off the front foot.

Around middle and leg, nudged away towards mid-wicket.

Fuller and on middle, driven through mid on for an easy single.

Beaten! On a nagging length and around off, Raza looks to cut but misses.

On off, blocked out by Raza.

Quicker from Rashid Khan and outside off, this one skids through beating the outside edge. Half an appeal from the bowler and nothing more.

Flatter this time and around off. Raza fends it off the back foot.

On middle, turned through mid-wicket for one.

Nicely tossed up, outside off. Raza drives it straight to the man at mid off.

Full and straight, eased down to long on for one.

Slower through the air and around off, Kaia leans forward to keep it out.

This pushed through fuller and around off, Kaia defends it onto the off side.

Length, on off, sweetly punched but straight to cover.

This is pushed through quicker and outside off. Raza goes on the back foot and opens the face of the bat to guide it towards third man for one. They look for two and Kaia is halfway down the track as well but Raza drops his bat and Kaia scampers back.

Flatter this time, around off. This is dabbed down towards point.

Quicker and shorter, close to the off pole. Innocent Kaia looks to cut but gets an inside edge past the off stump.

On middle, flicked in front of square on the leg side for a run.

Quicker one, full again and on off. Raza keeps it out.

Tossed up, full and around off. Raza drives but can't beat the man at covers.

Googly, a bit shorter and down the leg side. Kaia tucks it away to deep backward square leg for one.

On the shorter side and on off, Raza plays it off the back foot towards mid off.

Flighted delivery, Kaia turns it through mid on and collects a single.

Tossed up, on off. Kaia defends it out.

Just a tad bit short and outside off. Sikandar Raza rocks back and cuts it to deep point for a single.

On off, Raza pushes it out towards covers.

Sikandar Raza is the next man in for Zimbabwe.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Mohammad Nabi strikes first ball but it is a very soft dismissal for Wesley Madhevere and he will be gutted. Just a regulation floater to start off with from Nabi, on middle and leg. Madhevere leans forward and looks to work it leg side but closes the face of the bat way too early. The ball goes off the leading edge and Nabi takes a couple of steps to his right to take a simple catch.

Mohammad Nabi to roll his arm now.

Fuller in length and at the stumps, pushed away towards mid on.

FOUR! Short and just a bit of width on offer. Innocent Kaia hops and just times it exquisitely through cover-point for a welcome boundary.

Good-length, around off. Madhevere guides it down to third man for a run.

Nicely bowled! Perfect length, around off. Madhevere stays on the back foot looking to drive but gets beaten past the outside edge.

WIDE! Pacy delivery, on the shorter side and pushed a bit too wide of the off stump. Wided!

Full and straight, driven down to long on for a single.

Pacy short ball, dug in outside off. Innocent Kaia steps down the track and looks to pull it away but is well beaten.

Rashid Khan pulls back the length a bit and bowls a googly around middle. Madhevere doesn't pick it up and gets hit high on the pads.

On off, Madhevere defends it out.

Quicker and flatter, close to the off pole. Madhevere edges it down with soft hands towards backward point.

Full and straight, driven through wide mid on for one.

On off and skidding through, Kaia defends it off the front foot.

This is pushed through around off and it is the wrong 'un. Madhevere looks to drive but gets it off the inner half of the bat towards square leg for a single.

On off, Madhevere stays inside the crease and works it through mid-wicket for a run.

WIDE! Full and wide, pushed beyond the tramline outside off. Left alone by Madhevere.

Shorter in length and on leg stump. Kaia works it off his hips through square leg and rotates the strike.

Back of a length, around off. Kaia keeps it out on the off side.

Banged in short and over middle, Wesley Madhevere picks up the length early and pulls it down to deep square leg for just a single.

This is bowled into the deck and outside off. Madhevere lets it through to the keeper.

On a good length, around the top of off. Wesley Madhevere stands tall and dabs it down towards covers.

Googly now, on middle and leg. Kaia tries to flick it away but misses. He gets pinged high on his pads.

A single now as this is eased down to long on.

Tossed up, full and wide outside off. Wesley Madhevere tries to drive it away but misses.

Angled into the pads, Wesley Madhevere tries to heave it away but misses.

Looped up, full and on middle. Wesley Madhevere blocks it back to the bowler on the front foot.

Innocent Kaia is struggling a bit out there with the running and once again he attempts the quick single. Kaia has to really push in the end and ends up down on the ground, hurting his right knee. The physio is out to have a look and hopefully, Kaia is fine. Everything seems fine and Kaia is good to continue.

Fuller, on off. Kaia pushes it to cover and gets off for a quick single. The fielders has a shy at the non-striker's end but hits Kaia on his knees. He is down in pain. The physio make their way out on the field.

Full length, on middle and leg. Wesley Madhevere clips it to the leg side.

Full length, on off. Wesley Madhevere blocks it out solidly.

Overpitched, on off. Kaia pushes it to the right of mid off aerially. He takes off for a single instantly.

Length, outside off, blocked out.

A direct-hit could've been curtains for Kaia. A length ball, on the pads, Kaia tucks it to square leg and calls for two. He is late for his second run but luckily the fielder misses the shy at the striker's end.

Full length, outside off, shaping away a hint. Kaia dabs it to cover.

Full, on off, blocked out.

FOUR! Wesley Madhevere racks his first boundary. It is short, outside off. Wesley Madhevere goes back and cuts it through point. The fielder there fumbles and it races away.

Full and wide outside off. Wesley Madhevere drives it to sweeper cover for a brace and gets off the mark.

Floated and full, outside off. Kaia taps it to cover for a single.

Fuller, on the pads, Kaia clips it to the leg side.

Length, on off, blocked out.

BEATEN! A length ball, outside off. Wesley Madhevere gets squared up, as he tries to get a bat on it. The ball zips past his outside edge. Four runs and a wicket off it.

Wesley Madhevere is the next man in.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Azmatullah Omarzai has the last laugh here. It is a full-length ball, on off. Ervine goes for the drive yet again but ends up doing so aerially back to the bowler. Azmatullah Omarzai shows great awareness and grabs the ball with both hands and wastes no time to get into his celebration. The stadium goes silent as Ervine walks out of the field.

Back of a length, on off. Ervine pulls it to mid-wicket but does not hit it cleanly.

Fuller, outside off. Ervine drives it to mid off but is unable to beat the fielder this time.

FOUR! This is vintage Craig Ervine. It is full and outside off. Craig Ervine comes out with a text-book drive and finds a boundary down to long off.

A length ball, on off. Craig Ervine hits it to mid on.

DRINKS! The Afghanistan pacers started off in fine fashion and troubled Zimbabwe with the swing as well as the lengths they were bowling. The visitors did get an early breakthrough and beat the outside edge on more than a few occasions. The pair of Innocent Kaia and Craig Ervine have managed to weather the storm and now they will look to up the scoring rate. 215 runs are now required off 37 overs.

Full length, outside off. Ervine drives it to long off for a single.

Looped up, full, on middle and leg. Kaia eases it to long on for a single.

On off, blocked back to the bowler.

FOUR! Nicely played. It is flatter and outside off. Kaia waits for it and guides it through the gap past backward point for a boundary.

Fuller, outside off. Kaia pushes it to cover.

Looped up, on off. Kaia blocks it out solidly.

A length ball, on the pads, Kaia flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

On a length, just outside off, Kaia gets behind the line to block it out.

Length ball, outside off. Kaia dabs it to point.

On off, pushed to covers.

TWO LEG BYES! Full length, angled down leg. Kaia tries to flick it away but misses. It goes to the leg side off his pads. The batters hesitate for the second run but in the end, Rahmanullah Gurbaz misses the ball behind the sticks which allows Kaia to rech safely.

Length ball,on the pads, Ervine clips it to square leg for one.

A single now as this is pushed down to long on.

On off, defended out.

WIDE! Angled down leg, Ervine misses his clip. Wided.

FOUR! 50 up for Zimbabwe. A delicate shot by Ervine this time. It is full and outside off. Craig Ervine plays it late and steers it past the man at short third man for a boundary.

A googly now, wide outside off. Kaia waits for it and punches it to deep point for a single.

On the pads, Ervine flicks it through square leg for a single.

WIDE! Length, down leg. Ervine misses his flick. Wide called.

Floated and full, wide outside off. Kaia gets low and slashes it to sweeper cover for a single.

A bit of spin now as Mujeeb Ur Rahman comes on to bowl.

Back of a length, around off. Ervine dabs it to point.

A short ball, on off. Craig Ervine pushes it to mid off.

Full length, on the stumps. Craig Ervine presses forward and blocks it out to mid off.

Touch fuller, on off. This one though flies off the deck. Craig Ervine blocks it back to the bowler.

Length ball, on off, blocked out.

FOUR! Cracking shot! A good-length ball, outside off. Ervine punches it through covers for a boundary.

End of the first Powerplay! The fielding side can now have a maximum of four fielders outside the inner circle. Also, Azmatullah Omarzai comes into the attack now.

A short ball, on off. Kaia defends it out watchfully.

Length ball, on the pads, Ervine clips it to mid-wicket for a single.

Full length, on off. Ervine tries to flick it away but it goes to cover off the leading edge.

A huge mix up and they get two leg byes in the end. It is a length ball, on the pads. Craig Ervine tries to flick it away but misses. The ball goes to mid-wicket off the pads. Kaia meanwhile is halfway down the track looking for a single but is sent back immediately. The fielder misses his attempt at the non-striker's end and it could have been curtains for Kaia. There is an overthrow and the batters sneak two in the end.

Short ball, on off. Kaia eases to cover for a quick single.

Short ball, just outside off. Craig Ervine defends it to point for one.

Full length, on the pads, Craig Ervine flicks it through square leg. The batters take three before the fielder cuts it out.

A length ball, angling away outside off. Ervine tries to flick it away but ends up playing all around it. It lobs off his thigh pads towards backward point.

FOUR! Nicely played! Full length, on off. Craig Ervine walks across and flicks it through the gap at mid-wicket. The fielder gives it a chase, puts in a dive but is unable to keep it in play.

Fuller, on the pads, Kaia clips it to mid on for a quick single.

Length and at the stumps. Kaia defends it out watchfully.

Good length, on top of off. Kaia stays back and blocks it out solidly.

Good length, outside off, shapes away. Kaia leaves it alone. Wided!

Maiden! Around the top of off, Ervine solidly keeps it out.

Fareed Ahmad just pulls back the length a bit and bowls it outside off. Ervine has a poke at it but is beaten on the outside edge yet again.

Back of a length and around off, Ervine punches it sweetly off the back foot but can't find the gap through cover-point.

A length ball around off, Ervine leans forward to push it out on the off side.

NOT OUT! Close but not close enough and Afghanistan continue to search for that second wicket. This is pitched up on off and nipping back in off the surface. Craig Ervine looks to cover drive but misses and gets pinged on the pads. Fareed Ahmad is certain that it is out and appeals but is turned down. Hashmatullah Shahidi does take the review. Ultra Edge shows no bat is involved and Ball Tracking shows that wickets are umpires' call.

Good-length around off and shaping away from the left-hander. Ervine plays inside the line of the ball.

On a good length around off and shaping in. Kaia doesn't move his feet and looks to drive off the back foot but gets beaten on the inside edge.

FOUR! This is on middle and leg, Innocent Kaia flicks it nicely and past square leg for a welcome boundary.

Bye! Fuller and length and around off, Ervine has a swipe across the line but gets beaten on the inside edge this time. The keeper attempts to run out Ervine but misses the stumps and they do get an extra run off the overthrow.

NOT OUT! Would you believe it? Another huge sound and Afghanistan think they have their man but the umpire remains unmoved. This is a peach of a delivery, fuller and on off, just shaping away a touch. Craig Ervine looks to drive but gets beaten and the keeper gloves it safely. Farooqi appeals but the ball seems to have clipped the top of off. It is reviewed and the replay confirms the same. Unlucky for the bowler as the bails didn't dislodge.

FOUR! Top shot! This is a length ball around off, Ervine creams it through extra cover and picks up a boundary.

NOT OUT! Nowhere near the bat in the end. Fazalhaq Farooqi angles this one down the leg side and Craig Ervine looks to flick. Ervine seems to have missed as the keeper dives full stretch to his right to pouch it but there is a sound and after a huge appeal from the bowler, the finger is raised. Ervine reviews it in an instant and Ultra Edge confirms that no bat is involved.

A length ball, on the pads and this is flicked away to fine leg. A huge roar from the crowd as Craig Ervine is off the mark with a single.

Leg bye! Angled into the pads, Kaia misses the flick. The ball comes off the pads and rolls onto the leg side. The batters scamper through for a leg bye.

Pitched up around off, Kaia gets onto the front foot and drives it through covers for a brace.

Fuller and wider, Kaia lets it through to the keeper.

Angled into the body, Innocent Kaia tucks it away neatly towards deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Fuller in length and angling into off, Kaia punches it towards covers.

Simply brilliant! Full and around off, just shaping away a touch. Craig Ervine goes on the back foot to keep it out but is well beaten.

Back of a length around off, Kaia gets a thick outside edge down to third man and picks up a single.

Around the top of off, Kaia looks to defend but misses and gets hit high on the pads.

The ball just keeps beating the outside edge and Innocent Kaia seems to be hanging by a thread here. Length, around off and slanting across, Kaia misses the drive once again.

Fuller and around off, Kaia keeps it out on the off side.

Perfect length once again from Farooqi. This is angled across the off stump and Kaia is forced into the drive yet again and gets beaten past the outside edge.

Full and on the pads, worked past square leg for a single.

Fareed Ahmad switches to 'round the wicket as the umpire just had a word with him for running into the danger area. This is on middle and leg, Kaia tucks it straight towards square leg.

Peach! Fareed Ahmad pitches it up on a nagging length, around off and the ball just angles across. Innocent Kaia is drawn onto the front foot but the ball just zips past the outside edge.

Full and wide, inviting the batter to drive but Kaia just lets it through to the keeper.

Fuller and a bit wider, easy leave this time around for Kaia.

Length ball, close to the off pole and angling across the right-hander. Innocent Kaia has a poke at it but misses.

Almost the perfect setup there. Farooqi goes full and angles it into middle. Craig Ervine does well to keep it out.

Beaten once again. Brilliant from Farooqi as he bowls this one in the channel around off. Ervine looks to drive but the ball zips past the outside edge.

A touch fuller and wider, Ervine leaves it alone.

Beaten! Lovely delivery from Farooqi, tight line around off and just leaving the batter after pitching. Craig Ervine gets beaten past the outside edge.

Back of a length, around off. Kaia punches it off the back foot towards covers for one.

WIDE! Short of a length, slanted well across the right-hander. Wided.

Craig Ervine is the new batter in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Poor shot selection from Regis Chakabva and he departs really early. Fazalhaq Farooqi angles this one across the right-hander on a shortish length. Chakabva looks to fetch and pull it away but it's just not short enough to pull. The ball goes off the top edge and towards wide mid on. Najibullah Zadran takes a simple catch over there and Farooqi gets an early breakthrough for Afghanistan.

This is pitched up around off, Kaia drives it on the up but straight towards mid off.

Around the hips, this is tucked away to fine leg for a run and Chakabva is off the mark.

Goes fuller this time on off, Chakabva pushes it out towards covers.

Length again, slanted across the batter. Regis Chakabva shoulders arms to it.

Just short! Good length again, sliding across the right-hander. Innocent Kaia gets an outside edge but luckily for him the ball lands in front of the fielder at first slip. The batters get one and with that Kaia is up and running in international cricket.

Fareed Ahmad starts off with a good-length ball around off and there's bit of a shape back into the batter. Kaia defends it out.

Fareed Ahmad to bowl from the other end.

Pitched up on off, Regis Chakabva defends it off the front foot towards extra cover.

Leg bye! On leg stump and swinging in, Innocent Kaia looks to flick but misses. The ball goes off the pads towards square leg. They scamper through for a leg bye.

Full and straight, pushed right back towards the bowler.

Farooqi pulls back the length a bit and bowls it around off. Kaia plays it off the back foot towards covers.

Nicely bowled! Length, on off and shaping back into the right-hander. Kaia keeps it out on the leg side.

WIDE! Fuller length, on leg stump and swinging down leg. Kaia misses the flick and a wide is called.

WIDE! A bit too full and straight, sprayed way down the leg side. Rahmanullah Gurbaz with a good stop diving to his left.

Farooqi starts off with a fullish delivery angling well across the right-hander. Innocent Kaia lets it through to the keeper.

FOUR! What a way to finish and 19 runs come off the final over! This is angled into middle and leg, Rashid Khan sits down and just laps it over short fine leg for a boundary. Afghanistan end with 276/5!

This is banged in short over off. Khan with a hook shot this time towards deep mid-wicket and once again he races back for the second.

FOUR! This is some brilliant batting from Rashid Khan. A low full toss on off, Khan with another short-arm jab. The ball goes well in front of square on the leg side and beats the fielder running around from deep mid-wicket.

Good running but that's sloppy from Zimbabwe. Short ball around off, Khan with a nonchalant helicopter shot on the bounce to deep mid-wicket. The batters race back for the second and the fielder in the deep is slow to get the throw in. Easy two in the end.

SIX! Oh boy, Rashid Khan is in the mood here! Poor delivery from Tendai Chatara, slower delivery just on a length and around off. Khan picks it up and whacks it over the mid-wicket fence for a huge hit.

1 run.

Fuller and slower outside off. Khan stays leg side of the ball and looks to slog it away but gets undone by the lack of pace.

Tough chance put down! Slower delivery, back of a length and outside off. Rashid Khan throws his hands at it and gets a top edge over the point region. Craig Ervine back peddles and does well to attempt the catch over his shoulders but puts it down. Two taken.

SIX! BOOM! Full and straight, Muzarabani just about misses his length. Rashid Khan hangs deep and smokes it over the long on fence for a biggie.

FOUR! Streaky boundary but Rashid Khan will take it. Another slower ball, over middle. Khan gets low and has a swipe across the line. The ball comes off the top edge and goes over backward square leg to run away into the fence.

Short ball now, outside off. Khan looks to fetch it and pull it through mid-wicket but gets a bottom edge back onto the deck.

How has that missed? Very full from Muzarabani but it is the slower delivery. Rashid Khan has a big swing at it but misses and the ball misses the leg stump by a whisker.

Slower delivery around off, Khan pushes it towards wide mid on for a single.

Good comeback by Tendai Chatara. A well-directed bumper over middle and leg. Khan takes his eyes off the ball as he looks to hook it away but is beaten.

FOUR! Powerful hit! Short of a length, outside off. Rashid Khan hits it on the up and pierces the gap at extra cover for a boundary.

Two more! Fuller and angled into leg stump, Khan clips it past square leg and picks up a couple of runs.

Brilliant running! Full and straight, Khan drives it through wide mid on and calls for two straightaway. Zadran responds and races back with time to spare.

Chatara starts the over off with a bouncer over off. Rashid Khan looks to help it on its way but gets beaten.

Ooh, a bit of aggression now from Blessing Muzarabani! A spicy short ball over middle and leg, Najibullah Zadran just about manages to get his head out of the way.

Slower delivery, on off. Zadran looks to cut but has to check his shot and just about manages to keep it out.

Length, on middle. Zadran edges it down with soft hands towards third man. The call is for two and the batters get it with ease.

Rashid Khan comes in at number 7.

OUT! TAKEN A second wicket in the over for Blessing Muzarabani and he is single-handedly pulling Zimbabwe back into the game. Length delivery around off. Mohammad Nabi hangs deep in his crease and looks to lift it over extra cover but mistimes it towards the cover region. Milton Shumba comes charging in from the deep and slides in to take a really good catch. Muzarabani has his fourth and Afghanistan losing the plot a bit.

Back of a length, around off. Mohammad Nabi opens the face of the bat and guides it off the back foot through point for a couple of runs.

Najibullah Zadran is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Blessing Muzarabani gets his third wicket and he has now dismissed both the set-batters at a very crucial stage of the innings. This is fuller and outside off, Shahidi makes room again looking to launch it straight back but gets a thick outside edge on it. The pace of the ball takes it towards the third man fence where Donald Tiripano takes a good catch. Hashmatullah Shahidi falls short of his century too and Afghanistan lose their fourth.

Around the hips, this is tucked away past backward square leg for one.

FOUR! Shahidi pre-meditates and shuffles right across the stumps. Chatara goes wider but Shahidi just about manages to get some bat on it. The ball flies past the keeper and runs away into the third man fence.

Just short! Another slower delivery from Chatara, over middle and angling across. Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to cut close to the body but gloves it. The ball lands in front of Regis Chakabva who dives to his left and pouches it on the bounce.

Slower and into the pitch, over middle. Nabi nudges it past square leg and turns the strike over.

Another slower delivery, bowled into the pitch. Nabi works it behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Slower delivery, a bit too straight. Mohammad Nabi shuffles across and tickles it fine past short fine leg for a boundary.

Back of a length, on off, Shahidi leans back and tries to ramp it over the keeper's head but misses.

In the air...but safe! It is a short ball, a slower one, wide outside off. Mohammad Nabi jumps to cut it away and gets it to lob off the toe-end. It lands safely and he gets off the mark with a single.

Aggressive from Blessing Muzarabani. It is a sharp bouncer, on off. Mohammad Nabi ducks under it.

Mohammad Nabi comes in at number 5.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Blessing Muzarabani picks up his second wicket and breaks a crucial partnership this time. It is a length ball that lands outside off and nips back in sharply. Shah tries to fend it away but gets an inside edge. Regis Chakabva does a brilliant job behind the sticks to make a full-stretched dive to his left and gather the ball. Brilliants innings from Rahmat Shah but he misses out on a century.

FOUR! Up and over! A short ball, wide outside off. Shah shuffles across and hammers it over covers for a cracking boundary. He moves to 94 now.

Play and a miss! A length ball, outside off. Shah tries to cut it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Tossed up, on the stumps. Shah inside-edges it to square leg for a single. 12 runs off the over.

On the pads, Shahidi clips it to mid-wicket for one.

FOUR! The skipper is not here to sit back. It is full and on off. Hashmatullah Shahidi gets low and reverse-sweeps it over point for a boundary.

Fuller, on middle and leg. Hashmatullah Shahidi tries to sweep it away but misses.

Overthrows! It is full, on middle and leg. Shah clips it to square leg for a single. The batters call for a couple. The throw comes in like fire, misses the stumps and races away to the fence at wide long off. They get six runs off it. Although, the umpires have a look and confirm they will only get five as the batters didn't cross for the second run when the throw left the arm of the fielder.

NOT OUT! Leg bye! It is arm ball, angled down leg. Shahidi tries to hit it across the line but misses. He gets pinged on his pads. Raza appeals but the umpire is unmoved. Zimbabwe opt for a review but it does not go their way as the replays show the ball is missing the wickets. The batters collect a leg bye.

Review! Zimbabwe seem desperate for a wicket and have taken the review for an lbw decision. The third umpire checks Ultra Edge and there's clearly no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows that the impact is in line with the leg stump but the ball is missing the leg stump. The on-field decision of NOT OUT stands!

A slower length ball, angled down leg. Shahidi tickles it to the right of the keeper. Regis Chakabva moves to that side and gathers the ball on a bounce. They take one.

Length ball, on off, defended out.

Length ball, outside off. Shah dabs it down to point for a single.

SIX! All the way! Rahmat Shah dances down the track and turns it into a full delivery to smack it over the bowler's head for a biggie over the long on fence.

Short again, wide outside off. Shah goes hunting but is unable to press the trigger.

Back of a length, on off. Shah hangs back and cuts it to deep backward point. They take two runs.

On off, pushed out to mid off.

FOUR! Nicely played. It is a googly, full and on off. Hashmatullah Shahidi reverse-sweeps it down to third man for a boundary.

TWO WIDES! It is looped up and angled down leg. Shah fails to pick it up and also the keeper. The batters sneak in a single.

Raza continues to go shorter, outside off. Shahidi now slaps it through point for a single.

A short ball, wide outside off. Shahidi tries to cut it away but misses.

Angled into the pads, Shahidi flicks it through square leg for a brace.

Looped up, full and outside off. Shahidi tries to chase it but misses.

Sikandar Raza (5-0-24-0) to continue.

Full, on off. Shah comes down the track and hits it to cover but the fielder does well to stop it.

FOUR! In the gap this time. A short ball, on off. Shah stays back and pulls it into the gap at deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Full length, wide outside off. Shahidi slashes it to sweeper cover for a run.

A slower, full-length delivery, on off. Shahidi defends it out.

Length ball, angled across the left-handed batsman. Shahidi tries to chase it but misses.

FOUR! Tanaka Chivanga is getting a taste of ODI cricket here. A short ball, outside off. Hashmatullah Shahidi plays it late and guides it down to third man for a boundary.

End of Powerplay 2! Now the fielding side can have up to five fielders outside the 30-yard circle.

Tossed up, on the middle stump. Shah makes room and punches it through covers.

On off, defended to point.

FOUR! Cracking shot! It is a length ball, outside off. Shah makes room and cuts it through covers for a boundary.

Touch short and on off. Shahidi dabs it to backward point for a single.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries. Hashmatullah Shahidi is on the charge now. It is fuller, on off yet again. Hashmatullah Shahidi sweeps it through mid-wicket for another boundary.

FOUR! A boundary of the first ball and the pressure is on the bowler straight away. It is full and on off. Hashmatullah Shahidi gets low and slog-sweeps it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

FOUR! Easy pickings for the batters! Too staright and too full, on the pads. Shah hangs back and flicks it through fine leg for a boundary. An expensive over for Tanaka Chivanga, 12 runs off it.

A good comeback delivery by Tanaka Chivanga. This is a length ball, wide outside off, shapes in a touch. Shah tries to drive it away but misses.

SIX! BOOM! Shah goes downtown this time. It is overpitched, on off. Shah expands his arms and fires it over the long on fence for a biggie.

A sharp bouncer this time, on off. Shah bends his knees and leaves it alone.

Good-length ball, on top of off. Shahidi waits for it and dabs it down to third man for another single.

Tanaka Chivanga starts by hitting the hard length and shapes it into the batter. Shah stays back and tucks it to mid-wicket for a quick single.

A bit of pace now as Tanaka Chivanga is brought back into the attack.

Flatter and on the stumps. Shah goes back and clips it through mid-wicket for another single. A tidy over by Raza comes to an end.

A single now as this is worked through mid on.

On off, blocked out.

Flatter and on off. Shah flicks it to the leg side for a single.

Fuller, on middle and leg. Shah sweeps it to deep square leg for a brace.

Tossed up, on the stumps. Shah defends it back to the bowler on the front foot.

FOUR! Just what the doctor called for. It is full and on off. Shahidi frees his arms and lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary. We should certainly see more of this as we head into the death overs.

Looped up, on off, defended out.

On off, punched to cover for one.

Flatter and on the pads, Hashmatullah Shahidi goes back and tucks it to square leg for a single. The skipper now reaches the fifty-run mark. A captain's knock from him.

Looped up, on middle and leg. Hashmatullah Shahidi defends it to the leg side.

Tossed up, full and on off. Shah drives it to the off side for a single.

An arm ball, outside off. Shahidi looks to chase it but misses.

FIFTY FOR SHAH! A game-savings innings from him. This is darted on the pads, Shah tucks it to mid-wicket for a single. He raises his blade in appreciation but he knows his job is only half done now.

On off, defended out.

Fuller and on the pads, Hashmatullah Shahidi eases it to long on for a single.

On off, blocked out.

Looped up, on off, this one turns in. Shah tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

DRINKS! The current Afghanistan pair has certainly done the repair work with the 97 runs. Both would look to step on the gas once they have racked up their fifties. Zimbabwe have been good with the ball so far but haven't been able to trouble the batter in the middle phase. The home side would hope to take a couple more wickets and get their noses in front.

Beaten! Fuller and around off, this one turns away from the left-hander. Shahidi looks to cut but is beaten past the outside edge.

Loopy delivery around off, Shahidi presses forward to defend.

On off, defended away by Shahidi.

Brilliant fielding from Milton Shumba. Length, down leg, Shah just glances it fine but Shumba dives to his right to make a half stop at short fine leg. Just the single then.

Around middle and leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi steps out and pushes it down to long on for a run.

Tossed up around off, this is driven through extra cover for a single.

Around middle and leg, flicked away to square leg.

Not much happening in the game at the moment and something's got to give here. On middle, blocked out.

Raza shortens the length and bowls it on middle. Rahmat Shah just turns it through mid-wicket and rotates the strike.

Fuller this time, Shah drives it towards covers.

Over middle, this is flicked away through square leg for a single.

Bye! Quicker and shorter around off. Rahmat Shah looks to cut but gets beaten due to the additional bounce. The keeper fails to collect the ball and a single is taken.

At the stumps, blocked out.

Flighted this time, on the pads. Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to flick it leg side but gets a leading edge. The ball loops up but falls well short of the bowler.

Shorter again and around off. This is worked off the back foot through covers for a single.

Around off, punched off the back foot towards sweeper cover for a run.

Around off, this is driven with the spin towards deep extra cover for one more.

Tossed up full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi flicks it towards mid-wicket where the fielder makes a half stop to his right. The batters cross for one.

On a shorter length and around off, Shah fails to get it away. Tidy start from Raza, just a single off it.

On middle, Shah flicks it straight towards square leg.

Half an appeal from the bowler but it is turned down. Shorter but slower thsi time and on middle. Shah looks to work it leg side but gets hit on the pads. The ball might have just taken the inside edge as well.

Short ball on off, Shahidi nudges it towards mid-wicket and picks up an easy single.

Flatter and on off, tapped towards the cover region.

Starts off with a quicker delivery around off. The ball turns away sharply as Shahidi is well beaten.

Sikandar Raza to have a bowl now.

On the pads, this is tucked away 'round the corner for a single.

On off, Shahidi puts a big stride forward to block it out.

Put down! Tossed up around off and turning away. Rahmat Shah with a lovely inside-out shot towards wide long off. Wesley Madhevere runs to his left and gets there with time to spare but ends up grassing it. Single taken.

Gives it a bit more air, Shah looks to come forward but checks his shot in the end.

This is pushed through on middle and leg, Shah goes deep in his crease to keep it out.

Shorter in length and turning away, Shah taps it towards covers.

Length and on middle, Shahidi defends it from inside his crease.

FOUR! Flatter delivery around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi waits for it and cuts it really late, beating the man at short third man. Shahidi picks up a boundary.

A bit quicker and around off. Shahidi defends it out on the off side.

On middle, blocked out.

Shorter and on middle, Shah turns it through mid-wicket for a run.

On off, stroked away through covers for a single.

Was that dropped? Flighted delivery on middle, Rahmat Shah tries the cheeky reverse sweep but mistimes it a bit aerially. The fielder at first slip is quick to read the direction of the shot and goes for the catch low to his right but misses. That one might have just dropped in front of him. The replay shows that it just about carried so that is a dropped catch from the skipper.

This is drifted into middle, Shah leans forward and defends it out.

Quicker and flatter on middle. Shah manages to keep it out.

Here comes the googly, outside off and Hashmatullah Shahidi just strokes it past point for one.

Loopy delivery around off, Shahidi strides forward and keeps it out on the off side.

Tossed up outside off, Shah drives it with the spin towards deep cover for a single.

This is speared into middle, Shahidi keeps it out.

Fuller and on middle, pushed down to long on for one.

On off, punched back towards the bowler.

Tad shorter and turning away, Shahidi plays it with the turn to deep point and picks up a run.

On off, Shahidi defends it out.

Shorter and around off, punched off the back foot but straight to cover.

FOUR! Short and punished! This is dragged down on middle, Rahmat Shah waits for it and thumps it into the wide long on fence.

Shouts of 'Catch it,' but the ball lands safely. Drifted onto middle and just turning away. Shah looks to flick it leg side but gets a leading edge towards the cover region.

Slower through the air and on the pads, Shah nudges it towards mid-wicket.

Shorter and around off, played off the back foot through covers for a single.

Nicely bowled! This is pushed wider, Shahidi looks to defend it out but gets beaten past the outside edge.

Burl starts off with a very full delivery on off. Shah drives it towards long off for a single.

Shorter, on off. This is eased off the back foot down to long on for a single.

Shah tries to be cheeky but it doesn't come off. Around off, Rahmat Shah brings out the reverse sweep but can't get past the man at short fine leg.

Fuller and on middle, this is pushed towards mid on.

On middle and leg, blocked out by Shah.

Rahmat Shah getting a bit troubled at the moment. Flighted around off, Shah looks to turn it leg side but gets a leading edge that falls safely to the left of the bowler.

Half an appeal! This is tossed up full and around off, Shah misses the drive and gets pinged on the pads. The impact seemed to be outside off though.

FOUR! Cracked! A short ball, wide outside off. Hashmatullah Shahidi stands back and cuts it through point for a fine boundary.

Length, on off, blocked out watchfully.

A sharp bouncer, on the bodyline. Shahidi leaves it alone.

Full length, on off. Shah drives it to extra cover for a quick single.

FOUR BYES! Misses everything! A beautiful delivery but not the result it deserves. A length ball, pitched wide outside off. This one shapes in a long way off the seam. Rahmat Shah throws his blade at it but gets beaten on the inside edge. It scoots past the stumps and the even the keeper fails to grab it. The ball races away to the fine leg fence.

Length ball, on off, defended out.

Floated and full, outside off. Shah uses his feet and drives it through covers for a single.

On middle, Shah blocks it to the right of the bowler.

Flatter and on off. Shahidi dabs it to backward point and scampers through for a single.

Fuller, on off, Shah eases it to covers for a single.

Flatter and outside off, Shahidi punches it to cover for one.

On off, defended out.

A sharp bouncer this time, on middle and leg. Rahmat Shah tries to hook it away but misses.

Full length, around off. Shah stabs it to covers.

On a length, on off, Shah blocks it out to cover.

A length ball, outside off. Shah hangs back and punches it to cover but unable to get it in the gap.

Full length, outside off. Shah drives it to cover but straight to the fielder.

Back of a length, outside off, Shahidi dabs it down to third man for a single.

Shorter delivery well outside off, Rahmat Shah waits for it and cuts it behind point for a couple of runs.

Flatter delivery outside off, this is cut away towards deep point for a run.

Around middle and leg, this is worked away past square leg for one more. The fifty partnership is up between these two.

A tad shorter, on leg stump. Shahidi turns it through square leg for a single.

Length, on middle, Shahidi keeps it out.

Flatter and on off, Shahidi nudges it towards point and looks for a quick single but is sent back.

Short ball, angled across, Shahidi works it down to third man for a single.

Outside off, left alone.

Good length, on off, blocked out.

WIDE! Full and wide outside off, Shahidi does not chase it and the umpire deems it as a wide.

This one lands on middle and leg, shapes away from the batter and Shahidi lets it be.

Outside off, left alone.

FOUR! Slapped! A low full toss, wide outside off. Shahidi leans in and drives it through covers for a boundary.

This is angled down leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi just tickles it 'round the corner and picks up a run.

This is speared into off, Shahidi leans forward to defend it out.

On middle and leg, Shah backs away and knocks it down to long on for one more.

Flatter again, around off. This is played off the back foot through cover-point for a single.

Quicker and fuller around off, Rahmat Shah drives it down to long on and rotates the strike.

Madhevere starts off with a flatter delivery outside off. Shah punches it off the back foot towards the bowler.

Pitched up in that channel around off and Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it alone.

Fuller and on off, Shahidi defends it out.

Around the hips, tucked away past square leg for a single.

Length again, around off. Shah looks to force it through the cover region but mistimes it badly.

Well bowled! Chivanga angles this one into the off stump from wide of the crease. The ball just straightens a bit as the outside edge is found. The ball lands well in front of the man at first slip though.

On a good length around off. Shah defends it out on the off side.

No wide called and Hashmatullah Shahidi doesn't look impressed. Very full and outside the tramline past the off stump. Shahidi misses the shot and the umpire signals that the bowler was in his eye line and hence his vision was blocked.

WIDE! Free hit to continue! Tiripano digs in a slower bumper outside off but it is just a bit too high.

NO BALL! A length ball, very close to the off stump and Shahidi makes a watchful leave. No ball called for overstepping and a Free hit will follow.

Length this time, trying to angle it in but it is a fair bit outside off. Easy leave for Shahidi.

Full and wide, a bit of extra pace behind that one. Shahidi looks to drive but is well beaten.

Length, around off. Shahidi presses forward and taps it towards cover.

FOUR! Easily done! A half-volley around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi leans into the shot and drives it through cover-point for a boundary.

Tiripano comes from around the wicket and angles it into middle. A bit of an extra bounce as Hashmatullah Shahidi gets cramped for room and gets hit in the ribs.

Fuller in length, angled into middle and leg. Shah keeps it out towards mid on.

Pitched up around off, nice drive off the front foot by Rahmat Shah but straight to the man at mid off.

Length again, outside off. Shah doesn't play at it.

Around the top of off, Shahidi hangs back and edges it down with soft hands through backward point for one.

Lovely delivery! Length ball on off and just angling across the batter. Hashmatullah Shahidi gets all squared up as he tries to fend it away but gets beaten past the outside edge.

Short and wide, Shahidi taps it through covers and comes back for the second with ease.

Edged and four Good length, angling into off. Rahmat Shah takes a step forward and looks to flick it leg side but gets a thick outside edge that flies past first slip and runs away into the third man fence.

Length again, outside off. Shah lets it through to the keeper.

WIDE! Length ball, right on the tramline outside off. The umpire deems it a wide.

Fullish length on off, Shah punches it off the front foot towards extra cover.

Fuller, on middle and leg. This is driven without much timing towards mid on.

Much better from Tiripano. Length, around the top of off. Shah solidly defends it out.

Too full and too straight from Tiripano first up. Hashmatullah Shahidi works it through square leg. The fielder from deep backward square leg runs around and keeps it down to three runs. Good running.

DRINKS! It has been a good start from the Zimbabwean pacers and they have made full use of the helpful conditions. Afghanistan have lost both their openers but slowly and steadily they are getting back into the game. The run rate is low but they will be hoping to do the repair work in the middle phase. Zimbabwe will look to continue picking up wickets and keep the scoring rate in check. Also, Donald Tiripano comes into the attack now.

This one comes in from off. Shah pushes it to cover but not in the gap. Five dots in a row to end the over.

Another fantastic delivery by Tanaka Chivanga. Shah decided to defend this length ball, on the fourth stump line. Shah fails to do so and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Length ball, outside off, shaping in a touch. Shah shoulders his arms at it.

A length ball, on the fourth stump line. Shah leaves it alone.

A short ball, on middle and leg. Shah defends it to the leg side.

SIX! BANG! Rahmat Shah uses the pace of the bowler this time. It is full and angled down leg. Shah stays back and flicks it over the square leg fence for a maximum. It is a brilliant shot and Shah made it look so easy.

Length, on off, blocked out. Only 5 runs off the over.

Full length, on off. Shah gets on the front foot and drives it through the cover region for three runs.

Angled in, full and on middle. Shah gets his blade down in time to work it back to the bowler.

Play and a miss! Good length, outside off, shaping away a hint. Shah tries to punch it away but gets beaten.

Good length, wide outside off. Shah leaves it alone.

In the air...safe! Back of a length, wide outside off. Shah stays back and cuts it aerially through point. It lands safely and the batters collect a brace.

Good length, angled across the left-hander. Shahidi lets it be.

Wide outside off, left alone by Shahidi.

FOUR! Shahidi gets lucky this time. It is a length ball, that lands on off and nips in a touch. Hashmatullah Shahidi tries to leave the ball, but it goes past the keeper off the back of the blade. Four more for Afghanistan.

Quicker, angled across the left-handed batsman. Shahidi only watches it sail past him.

FOUR! Nicely played! A length ball, angled down leg. Hashmatullah Shahidi tickles it down to fine leg for a boundary.

A length ball, around off, angled across the left hander. Shahidi leaves it alone.

Another one outside off, left alone.

It is touch slower, on a length, wide outside off and moving away. After three play and a miss. Rahmat Shah does not go after this one.

Four dots on the trot! Full length, wide outside off, shaping away. Shah tries to drive it on his front foot but fails to get any bat on it.

Another beauty! Swing and a miss yet again! Full length, outside off, shaping away a hint. Shah tries to defend it out but gets beaten.

BEATEN! A length ball, on the fifth stump line. Shah shuffles across and tries to defend it inside the line but misses.

Short ball, outside off. Shah cuts it to point.

Tendai Chatara to continue his first spell. So far he has figures of, 5-1-16-0.

A wicket-taking over by Tanaka Chivanga comes to an end. A length ball, on middle and leg, blocked out.

WIDE! Length ball, wide outside off. Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it alone. Wide called.

The skipper, Hashmatullah Shahidi walks out to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Tanaka Chivanga strikes in his very first over on debut to get rid of Gurbaz! It is a short ball, angling away, outside off. Gurbaz flirts with it away from his body only to get a thick outside edge. Craig Ervine takes a sharp catch in the slips. Zimbabwe are right on top at the moment.

Good length, angled into the pads, this is quicker as well. Gurbaz tucks it through backward square leg for a single. It could've been two but they ran a run short.

On a length, wide outside off. Gurbaz leaves it alone yet again.

Chivanga hits the hard length now, shaping away outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves it alone for the keeper.

Tanaka Chivanga starts with a length ball, angled into the pads. Gurbaz hangs back and tucks it to the on side.

End of the first Powerplay! The fielding side can now have up to four fielders outside the 30-yard circle till the end of 40 overs. Also, the debutant, Tanaka Chivanga comes on to bowl.

A dot to end and after the first Powerplay, Afghanistan are 37/1! Fuller and on off, Rahmat Shah punches it out towards mid off.

Full and outside off, Shah shoulders arms to that one.

WIDE! Length ball, well wide of the off stump. Shah tries to fetch it but misses, wide called.

Beaten! Chatara finds the nagging length again and draws the batter forward. Shah looks to drive at it but is beaten by the movement of the ball.

This is short and wide, Gurbaz just cuts it to the right of the man at third man and picks up a run.

FOUR! Overpitched on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets his front leg out of the way and drives it straight back past the bowler for a boundary.

Uppish but in the gap! Fuller and on the pads, Rahmat Shah clips it uppishly past Ryan Burl at mid-wicket. The fielder gives the chase as the batters come back for the third.

This is angled into middle, Shah hangs back and eases it towards cover-point for a quick single.

Length ball, on the fifth stump line. Shah lets it through to the keeper.

FOUR! Glorious from Rahmat Shah and that will boost the confidence a lot. Pitched up around off and just shaping in. Shah presses forward and just caresses it through extra cover for a boundary.

Just short of a length around off. Shah taps it towards cover.

Muzarabani goes full and straight this one. Shah keeps it out towards mid on.

Hard length again, on off. Rahmat Shah stays rooted in his crease as he keeps it out on the off side.

Another dot ball and it's a sedate start from Afghanistan. Back of a length, around off. Gurbaz defends it off the back foot towards covers.

This is full and on the pads, Rahmat Shah clips it away to deep square leg for a single.

Good length again but just a bit too wide to draw a shot from the batter.

A bit of shape on that one. This is outside off and Shah just shoulders arms.

Fuller and angling into the off pole. Rahmat Shah punches it out towards mid on.

Around the top of off, edged down with soft hands towards third man for a single.

Top delivery to end the over! On a nagging length, in that channel around off. The ball pitches and just zips through past the outside edge of Shah's willow.

On a good length over middle. Shah defends it back to the bowler.

Rahmat Shah comes in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Blessing Muzarabani strikes as Afghanistan lose their first. This is a bit fuller and angled onto the pads. Ibrahim Zadran looks to flick it aerially over the mid-wicket region but does so a bit too early. There's just that bit of extra bounce as well and the top edge is found. The ball pops up around short leg and Muzarabani takes a simple catch. Zimbabwe with a strong start here.

Good length, outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz stabs it past backward point and collects a run.

Extra bounce again! Just a length ball, around off and the ball just pops up off the surface. Gurbaz looks to defend but is taken aback by the additional bounce and gets hit on the arm.

TWO WIDES! There's help out there for Blessing Muzarabani but once again he errs in his line. This is sprayed down the leg side and swinging further doen. Regis Chakabva does well to get a glove on it as the batters sneak in a run.

Hard length from Muzarabani, on off. Zadran hops and keeps it down on the leg side.

Another tidy over from Tendai Chatara, just the single off it. A touch fuller, nipping back in from around off. Gurbaz misses the drive and gets hit on the pads.

On a good length, angled onto the body. Rahmanullah Gurbaz just about manages to fend it away.

A juicy half-volley, around off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz fails to put it away as he drives it straight towards covers.

Length ball, around off, Gurbaz taps it towards covers.

Tight single but it's good running once again. Around the top of off, Zadran defends it gently onto the off side and sets off. The batters complete the run but if the fielder had hit, Gurbaz was a goner.

This is fuller and outside off, shaping away. Zadran has a poke at it but gets beaten past the outside edge.

Four dots in a row to end the over! Tendai Chatara continues to impress. A length ball, angled into the pads. Gurbaz tucks it to the leg side.

On a length, on off. Gurbaz stays back to blocks it out.

Length, on off, blocked out.

Back of a length, outside off, shaping away a bit. Gurbaz only manages to get an outside edge but luckily for him it lands short of the keeper.

WIDE! A sharp bouncer, on off. Gurbaz ducks under it. The umpire signals a wide.

Good length, outside off, some extra bounce this time as well. Rahmanullah Gurbaz comes down the track and swipes across the line. The ball takes the top edge and flies over the fine leg fence.

Blessing Muzarabani pitches it on a length, this time he extracts some extra bounce. The ball gets big on Gurbaz as he goes back to defend it out.

Maiden! Full length, outside off. Zadran tries to drive it on his front foot but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Five dots on the trot! Tendai Chatara has been on the money so far. Ibrahim Zadran continues to remain solid in his defence, as he deals with this length delivery on off.

Fuller, on off. Zadran drives it straight back to the bowler.

Full length, wide outside off. Zadran defends it to point.

Touch fuller, on off, blocked out.

Full length, outside off. Zadran gets on his front foot and negates it to cover.

On a length, on off, defended out solidly.

Swing and a miss! A length ball, just outside off. Gurbaz tries to block it on his front foot but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Gurbaz defends this short delivery back to the bowler.

Touch shorter, on the bodyline. Ibrahim Zadran pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

A loud appeal for lbw but turned down! Good-length delivery that nips back in sharply from outside off. Zadran stays back but fails to get any bat on it. He gets pinged on his pads, but the umpire is unmoved.

Length, on off, defended out solidly.

WIDE! A length ball, angled down leg. Zadran tries to tuck it away but misses. The keeper does well to reach it. The umpire signals a wide.

Wide outside off, Gurbaz tries to chase it but misses.

What a peach of a delivery! A length ball, this one pitches on off and shapes away, Gurbaz tries to block it out but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Good length, outside off, shaping away, Gurbaz shoulders his arms at it.

Length ball, outside off, Gurbaz leaves it alone.

A very good call in the end! A length ball, on off. Zadran hangs back and blocks it to the off side. The fielder there rushes towards it but the batters were quick to cross for a single.

Full length, wide outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans in and drives it through the gap at covers for three runs.

Tendai Chatara to take the other new ball from the opposite end.

Full length, on off. Zadran drives it back to the bowler but is unable to squeeze in a single.

Touch fuller, on the pads. Zadran flicks it aerially it to deep mid-wicket and collects a brace. He gets off the mark.

Fuller, on off, Zadran defends it on his front foot.

Length ball, on off, blocked out.

TWO WIDES! Some movement this time for Blessing Muzarabani. A length ball, pitching on middle and leg, it moves away down the leg side. Gurbaz tries to help it around the corner but does not get any connection. The umpire signals a wide and they collect a run as well.

Good length from Muzarabani, just outside off. Gurbaz defends it to cover.

Blessing Muzarabani starts with a length ball, right at th stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays back and blocks it out.

Done with the pre-match formalities and it's time now for the play to begin! The umpires are out in the middle and so are the Zimbabwe players. The Afghanistan opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran take their guard. Blessing Muzarabani has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

We are moments away from the play beginning! But first, the two sides line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's national anthem first followed by the national anthem of Zimbabwe. Done with the national anthems and now Tanaka Chivanga and Innocent Kaia receive their senior national caps for Zimbabwe.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fareed Ahmad.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva (WK), Tendai Chatara, Tanaka Chivanga (On debut), Craig Ervine (C), Innocent Kaia (On debut), Wesley Madhevere, Blessing Muzarabani, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba and Donald Tiripano.

TOSS - Zimbabwe have won the toss and they will BOWL first.

Afghanistan return to international cricketing action after a 3-months break and even though they didn't win their last series against Bangladesh, the visitors will be confident of stamping their authority right from the get-go. Their talisman, Rashid Khan is coming off a title-winning campaign with Gujarat in the Indian T20 League and apart from him, they do have a pretty well-balanced side. So, which team will get that important first win in the series? We'll find out. Toss and team news in a bit.

Zimbabwe are coming off a home series defeat against fellow African side Namibia and will be looking to bounce back here. The hosts were leading the series 2-1 at one point but it all fell apart in the fifth T20I and without regulation skipper Craig Ervine the players just couldn't find any inspiration. Their bowling has been fairly consistent but it is their batting, especially their openers who need to get their team off to a good start.

Hello and a warm welcome to the first ODI between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan from the Harare Sports Club. The two teams will face each other in three ODIs and three T20Is. The hosts will be looking to put that T20I series defeat against Namibia behind them and start afresh. The visitors on the other hand will be looking to get an early advantage on the tour and start off with a win here. With 30 crucial World Cup Super League points on offer, the ODI series becomes all that more important for both sides.

... MATCH DAY ...