Chasing 197 to win, Afghanistan looked on course to claim victory as the final pairing of Dawlat Zadran and Shapoor Zadran edged them towards their target.

But they fell two runs short as Brian Vitori had Shapoor caught behind, handing the host nation their second consecutive Group B victory at the Queens Sports Club.

Afghanistan, ranked 10th in the world in the one-day international format, were favourites after Zimbabwe could only post a miserly 196 and were cruising when they reached 156-3.

The wheels quickly came off when the Afghan side lost Rahmat Shah, who made 69.

It sparked a rousing comeback from the host nation as Afghanistan lost regular wickets, with Vitori claiming the final scalp to the delight of the home crowd.

In the other match played in Group B today, Scotland recorded a nervy four-wicket win over Hong Kong at the Bulawayo Athletic Club.

Scotland, needing 92 for victory, lost six wickets before they eventually scraped over the winning line.

Two-time World Cup winners the West Indies began their qualification campaign by beating the United Arab Emirates by 60 runs in Group A at the Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare.

A typically-brutal knock of 123 from 91 balls from opener Chris Gayle and a superb innings of 127 by Shimron Hetmyer propelled the West Indies to a formidable total of 357-4.

In reply, the UAE reached 297-6 at the end of their 50 overs.

Ireland picked up their second win in Group A as they overcame Papua New Guinea by four wickets at the Harare Sports Club.

Papua New Guinea were bowled out for 235 and Ireland comfortably reached their target to move a step closer to booking their place in the super six stage.

The two finalists will secure their spot at next year's tournament in England and Wales, joining the eight teams who have already qualified - the host nation, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Bangladesh.