Shaiman Anwar scored 67 for the Arab qualifiers en route to posting their highest-ever one-day international score of 285-7, but it was not enough with Sean Williams' unbeaten 76 off 65 balls helping Zimbabwe to a four-wicket win in Pool B.

Williams' 83-run partnership with Craig Ervine saved Zimbabwe from becoming the first-ever top-tier side to lose to a one-day international to the UAE, recovering from 167-5 to win with 12 balls to spare.

The UAE set about passing their previous one-day international best, 282-4 against Afghanistan set last November, with an 82-run partnership between Khurram Khan and Krishna Chandran for the third wicket.

With the score at 134-4 in the 31st over, Anwar came to the crease and helped the UAE to set a testing total courtesy of his personal highest-ever one-day international score.

After Anwar had fallen to Williams, Amjad Javed and Mohammad Naveed combined well to end the UAE's 50 overs with a quickfire unbeaten stand of 53.

The United Arab Emirates' Shaiman Anwar posted his highest-ever one-day international score but it was not enough to beat Zimbabwe ©Getty Images



Zimbabwe opener Sikander Raza managed 46 off 44 balls in reply, before he was dismissed by UAE captain Mohammad Tauqir in the 13th over with the score at 64.

Despite a positive start, Zimbabwe found themselves in trouble at 144-4 in the 28th over and matters worsened when Solomon Mire fell cheaply for nine, four overs later. 

Fortunately for them, Williams and Ervine restored control with the former seeing them home with three straight fours to secure victory in the 48th over.

Having lost to South Africa in their opening match on Sunday (February 15), Zimbabwe will be relieved to get back on track. 

The World Cup continues tomorrow as co-hosts New Zealand face England in Pool A and Pakistan go up against the West Indies in Pool B. 

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