Cricket: Zimbabwe overpower Afghanistan in second ODI

The opening pair put on a 224-run first-wicket stand to effectively wrap up the match after the tourists had made 256-7 from their 50 overs.

Masakadza came within seven runs of a century from his 113 balls, while Raza (141) recorded his maiden one-day international ton as the hosts moved into an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series.

Brendan Taylor (11) and Sean Williams (2) were required to move Zimbabwe to 257 but by the time they came to the crease the result was never in doubt, as Afghanistan rarely looked like making life difficult for their opponents.

Seventeen-year-old Usman Ghani (118) was the only real bright spot for the Afghans - hitting 12 fours and a six from his 143-ball stay, having opened alongside Noor Ali Zadran (13).

Zadran went in the 10th over - bowled by Tinashe Panyangara (2-58) - before Ramat Shah steadied the ship by making 22 to help the tourists reach 94-2 by the 22nd over.

Masakadza (2-37) finally accounted for the right-hander and his exit sparked a series of dismissals in quick succession.

Hashmatullah Shaidi went six overs later for 11 when he was caught by Regis Chakabva off the bowling of Masakadza before Samiullah Shenwari became Raza's first victim.

Captain Mohammad Nabi and Shafiqullah Shafiq were able to add a creditable 38 between them before Ghani's resistance was eventually broken, as he became Shingi Masakadza's only wicket.

Gulbadin Naib and Dawlat Zadran posted 36 between them before running out of overs with Hamilton Masakadza and Raza then able to take the game away from Afghanistan.

Their dominant showing did much of the work for Zimbabwe, with Taylor and Williams able to put the seal on their victory.

As a result, they remain on course for a series whitewash ahead of tougher tests against South Africa and Australia.