Afghanistan bowled out Zimbabwe for a paltry 82 to win the first one-day international by 49 runs on Friday. Afghanistan had been dismissed for just 131 with more than 10 overs to spare in the first game of the five-match series with opener Noor Ali Zadran top scoring with 63. Leg-spinner Graeme Cremer claimed 5-20. But Zimbabwe then lost their last seven wickets for just 35 runs to be bowled out in the 31st over.
Afghanistan off-spinner Amir Hamza was the pick of the bowlers with 4-17 having been handed the new ball. Only three Zimbabwe batsmen reached double figures with captain Elton Chigumbura top-scoring on 28. Friday's win followed Afghanistan's 3-2 win in the ODI series in Zimbabwe in October. It was the first time that a non-Test playing team had beaten a Test nation in a ODI series.
"I thought we started well, at one stage we thought they would score 270," said Chigumbura. "It's about how you play the spinners. If you play them well you are bound to win the game." The second game of the series takes place at the same venue on Tuesday. Brief scores: Afghanistan 131 all out in 38.5 overs (Noor Ali Zadran 63; Graeme Cremer 5-20) v Zimbabwe 82 all out in 30.5 overs (Amir Hamza 4-17).