AFG vs ZIM 2018, 2nd ODI: Brendon Taylor's Ton Inspire Zimbabwe to a Massive Win Over Afghanistan

Zimbabwe finally managed to beat Afghanistan in the limited-overs series in UAE after losing the couple of T20I’s and the opening ODI, and it buoys it came in style.

It was a magnificent all-round display by Zimbabwe to level the five-match series one all. Courtesy a brilliant century by Brendan Taylor and a masterly knock of 92 by Sikandar Raza and some terrific bowling by Graeme Cremer, Zimbabwe registered a thumping victory by 154 runs.

It was Zimbabwe skipper Graeme Cremer who won the toss and elected to bat. Mujeeb Zadran was employed started off with his leg breaks and off breaks and soon broke the defence of Solomon Mire. Hamilton Masakadza played a good hand of 48 and shared a steady partnership with Brendan Taylor before giving away his wicket.

However, it was Brendan Taylor and Sikandar Raza who ensured Zimbabwe reached a daunting score of 333/5 in their allotted 50 overs. The duo shared a magnificent stand of 135 runs and made sure Zimbabwe was never down in the scoring rate. Taylor’s knock of 125 off 121 deliveries was studded with five fours and eight hits over the fence while Raza’s breezy knock of 92 off 74 deliveries contained nine fours and four sixes.

Afghanistan was never in the chase, as they kept losing wickets on a consistent basis. It was Tendai Chatara who gave Zimbabwe their first breakthrough, and it was Brian Vitori who carried on the good work to send back dangerman Mohammad Shahzad back to the pavilion. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 36/5 at one stage.

From there on it was the mastery of Graeme Cremer which was out on display, as he bamboozled the Afghan batsmen with his variations. He is a terrific bowler, and he did give a rip. He bowled in the good areas and ended up being the most successful Zimbabwe bowler bagging four wickets.

Dawlat Zadran played a quickfire knock when the chips were down and were dismissed after making 47 off 29 deliveries, an innings which contained a couple of fours and six sixes. However, Afghanistan was never in the match, as Zimbabwe completed a resounding victory.

Brief Scores

Zimbabwe 333/5 in 5 overs (Brendan Taylor 125, Sikandar Raza 92, Rashid Khan 2/36)

Afghanistan 179 all-out in 30.1 overs ( Dawlat Zadran 47, Graeme Cremer 4/41, Tendai Chatara 3/24)

Zimbabwe won by 154 runs