Sediqullah Atal scored his maiden ODI century as Afghanistan crushed Zimbabwe by 232 runs in Harare on Thursday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Atal (104) and Abdul Malik (84) put on 191 runs for the first wicket and an unbeaten 29 from captain Hashmatullah Shahidi lifted the tourists to 286-6 off 50 overs.

Zimbabwe, who won the toss, were in trouble from the outset when replying with Ben Curran run out off the final ball of the first over.

Only Sikandar Raza (19*) and Sean Williams (16) reached double figures and the home team were bundled out for 54 in 17.5 overs.

Afghanistan bowlers Allah Ghazanfar (3-9), Naveed Zadran (3-13) and Fazalhaq Farooqi (2-15) wreaked havoc.

Atal, a 23-year-old who made his ODI debut last month, struck four sixes and eight fours in his 128-ball knock before becoming a victim of Newman Nyamhuri (3-53).

Malik also fell to Nyamhuri, making his second ODI appearance, after an innings that included a six and 11 fours.

It was another dark day for Zimbabwe in the 50-over format after the first match against Afghanistan two days ago was called off after just one hour due to rain.

Zimbabwe share with the USA the unwanted record of the lowest ODI international score having made just 35 against Sri Lanka in Harare in 2004.

Their 38, against Sri Lanka in Colombo, and 44 against Bangladesh in Chattogram are among the seven lowest ODI scores.

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: ACB Media