Rain intervenes as Afghanistan sneak D/L victory over Zimbabwe
There was a strange conclusion to Thursday's ODI as Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe on the D/L method due to an unfit outfield.
Mother Nature decides outcome
Afghanistan took a 1-0 lead in their one-day international series with Zimbabwe as a wet outfield at Harare Sports Club earned them a 12-run win via the Duckworth-Lewis method. The tourists made 215 all out after winning the toss on Thursday and reduced Zimbabwe to 99-4 when rain brought a halt to play in the 28th over.
Following a delay, the players returned to the field with the target reduced to 207 from 46 overs, but Afghanistan's fielders were seemingly unhappy with an area just outside the square.
The players departed once more while groundstaff attempted to address the problem, but play was abandoned shortly after 17:00 local time with Afghanistan ahead on D/L rules, giving them the early advantage in the five-match series.
Stanikzai and Khan hitting big
Earlier in the piece, Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai had top scored with 50 from 57 deliveries, his side's total given a late boost by Rashid Khan striking three fours and two sixes in his 18-ball 32.
Craig Ervine was 38 not out for the hosts before the rain came, leaving Zimbabwe frustrated and hoping the outfield will improve with the remainder of the series – which resumes on Sunday – to be held at the same venue.