– Winners of today’s match between Scotland and the Windies will qualify for the World Cup

 RASHID Khan, the world’s number-one-ranked bowler, took a big leap towards becoming the quickest bowler to 100 ODI wickets when he took his fourth five-wicket haul, as Afghanistan overcame a top-order batting collaps,e to prevail over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a Super Six fixture of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 at the Old Hararians yesterday.

Rashid returned figures of 9-0-41-5 as the UAE, after electing to bat first, were bowled out for 177 in 43 overs. Afghanistan, in their run-chase, plunged to 54 for five before an unfinished 124-run sixth-wicket partnership between player-of-the-match Gulbadin Naib and Najibullah Zadran helped them reach the target for the loss of five wickets.

The victory in the 35th over also helped Afghanistan to narrow the gap with Ireland and the Windies on net run-rate, which will come into play if Scotland beat the Windies today, the UAE beat Zimbabwe tomorrow and Afghanistan beat Ireland on Friday.

The winners of today’s match between the Windies and Scotland will qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2019 and if Zimbabwe beat UAE on tomorrow, then they will claim the second qualifying spot.

Rashid handed over the captaincy to a returning Asghar Stanikzai and immediately produced his best bowling performance of the tournament when he finished with five for 41.

This lifted him to 96 wickets from 42 ODIs and the 19-year-old now has Mitchell Starc firmly within his sights. The Australia left-arm fast bowler had reached the 100-wicket milestone in 52 ODIs.

Upcoming matches:

Wednesday, March 21 – Windies v Scotland (S6), Harare Sports Club

Thursday, March 22 – UAE v Zimbabwe (S6), Harare Sports Club

Friday, March 23 – Ireland v Afghanistan (S6), Harare Sports Club)

Sunday, March 25 – Final; Harare Sports Club