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Zimbabwe rout Afghanistan

Bulawayo - Sikandar Raza has struck 141 runs as Zimbabwe cruised to an eight-wicket one-day international (ODI) triumph over Afghanistan in Bulawayo on Sunday.

A century from 17-year-old Usman Ghani was pivotal as Afghanistan made 256-7 in 50 overs at Queens Sports Club in the southern Zimbabwe city.

But a succession of Afghan bowlers had no answer to right-hander Raza, who combined with Hamilton Masakadza for a 224-run opening partnership.

Zimbabwe reached a victory-clinching 257-2 off 43.3 overs.

The emphatic victory coupled with a six-wicket win two days ago gave Zimbabwe a 2-0 lead in the four-match series with matches to come on Tuesday and Thursday.

Opener Ghani struck 118 runs from 143 balls in a 200-minute stand laced with 12 fours and one six.

No other Afghan batsman impressed with the second-best score an undefeated 23 from lower-order Gulbadin Naib.

Pakistan-born Raza, who made his ODI debut last year against Bangladesh, averaged over a run a ball as he tormented the visitors' attack.

The knock came off 133 balls and his 171-minute spell of havoc included 11 fours and seven sixes.

Masakadza fell on 93 having scored 10 fours and one six.

Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are preparing for the 2015 Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

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