Afghanistan thrash Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in 4th ODI; seal series 3-1

Mujeeb Zadran, 16, became the youngest player to take a five-wicket haul in ODIs, going past Waqar Younis who, at 18, had taken as many wickets at the same venue in 1990.

Afghanistan sealed the 5-ODI series against Zimbabwe 3-1 with a match in hand. They won the fourth ODI at Sharjah by 10 wickets. Mujeeb Zadran, 16, became the youngest player to take a five-wicket haul in ODIs, going past Waqar Younis who, at 18, had taken as many wickets at the same venue in 1990. Mujeeb was eventually awarded Player of the Match.

After electing to bat first, Zimbabwe could manage 134 in 38 overs. Craig Ervine’s unbeaten 73-ball 54 was the only saving grace. In all, only three batsmen could manage score in two digits. Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan took 2 wickets apiece. Sharafuddin Ashraf took a solitary wicket, of Brendon Taylor for 30.

Afghanistan made a mockery of the chase. Mohammad Shahzad walloped 75 off 74, including as many as 10 fours and 3 sixes. His partner Ihsanullah scored his maiden ODI half-century. Afghanistan attained the chase in 21.1 overs.

Zimbabwe used five bowlers, none of whom could trouble the rampaging Afghan openers. Graeme Cremer was the only one who went for under 6 an over.

The fifth and final ODI will be played February 19. Afghanistan will look to continue their domination and end the series with on a high.

Brief scores:

Zimbabwe 134 in 38 overs (Brendan Taylor 30, Craig Ervine 54*; Mujeeb Zadran 4 for 49, Mohammad Nabi 2 for 18, Rashid Khan 2 for 28) lost to Afghanistan 135 for no loss in 21.1 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 75*, Ihsanullah 51) by 10 wickets with 173 balls to spare.

Player of the Match: Mujeeb Zadran.

Full scorecard

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