Zimbabwe handed Afghanistan their second successive defeat in the tournament when the African side successfully defended 196 runs to win by two runs in a nail-biting finish at the Queens Sports Club.

It was Zimbabwe’s second straight victory and while it has enhanced their chances of reaching the Super Six stage, the defeat has left Afghanistan in serious trouble as they have to win their remaining two matches regains Nepal and Hong Kong to keep their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup alive.

Afghanistan were cruising at 163 for four before they slipped to 177 for nine. They needed six runs off the last over, but managed only three as Brian Vitori had Shahpoor Zadran caught at the wicket as the Asian side was bowled out for 194 in 49.3 overs.

However, 21-year-old fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani was Zimbabwe’s hero when he returned figures of 10-1-47-4 to create panic in the Afghanistan camp. Muzarabani was well supported by Sikandar Raza, who followed up his 60 with three for 40 to walk away with the player of the match award.

Afghanistan captain Rashid later said: "What a good game! We started off very well with the ball and finished very well and restricted them to under 200. The batsmen played some irresponsible shots because of which we lost the match. Lots of things to learn from it and hopefully in upcoming matches we will not repeat the mistakes.

"I think the positive thing was we bowled really well compared to the last match. In the middle we had some partnerships when Nabi and Rahmat were there but with 40 runs required and eight wickets in hand, played some irresponsible shots. It is part of cricket and it happens. These are the things that we learnt and hopefully will not repeat in the future.”

Earlier, Brendan Taylor (89, 88b, 7x4, 3x6) and Sikandar Raza (60, 68b, 6x4, 1x6) added 98 runs for the fifth wicket to lift Zimbabwe from 66 for four to 164 for four before the home side lost their last six wickets for 32 runs in the next 10 overs to be bowled out for 195 in 43 overs.

World’s number-one ranked Rashid Khan bagged three for 38, while Mujeeb Rahman claimed three for 49. Fast bowler Dawlat Zadran picked up two for 17.

In their run-chase, Afghanistan were in some bother at 58 for three, but then Rahmat Shah (69, 91b, 5x4, 1x6) and Mohammd Nabi (51) added 98 for the fourth wicket to repair their damage. However, when Nabi fell victim to Raza, it opened all floodgates as the pace and spin combination of Muzarabani and Sikandar ran through the Afghanistan lower order.