Zimbabwe dominate on rain-marred opening day

Zimbabwe took the honors against Afghanistan in Bulawayo on a rain-marred opening day.

Sikandar Raza (3-30), Newman Nyamhuri (3-42) and Blessing Muzarabani (2-56) were the major stars with the ball as Afghanistan folded for 157.

In reply, Zimbabwe's opening pair of Ben Curran and Joylord Gumbie negotiated three overs before bad light forced early stumps with Zimbabwe at 6/0.

Zimbabwe's captain Craig Ervine won the toss and elected to bowl after incessant rains and a wet outfield meant the first session was lost.

The Zimbabwe pacers got their radar right on a pitch that had life in it, with extra bounce and some seam movement. Abdul Malik and debutant Riaz Hassan weathered the early storm but both fell in quick succession.

A run out dismissed Hassan, followed by Nyamhuri getting Malik caught behind. Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi prevented further damage but Zimbabwe continued to make inroads after tea. Nyamhuri broke the partnership, getting the skipper LBW. Raza then dismissed Rahmat.

Once Rahmat fell, it was a procession for the visitors as Raza and Muzarabani sliced through the lower order. Rashid Khan's 20-ball 25 prevented a lower total.

Brief scores: Afghanistan 157 (Sikandar Raza 3-30, Newman Nyamhuri 3-42) vs Zimbabwe 6/0