The Asian side, who are ranked 10th in the world, lost by 30 runs to Hong Kong by the Duckworth Lewis method at Bulawayo Athletic Club.

It followed earlier losses to Scotland and hosts Zimbabwe and means that only a big win against Nepal could allow them to progress as one of the three qualifying teams.

A score of 65 from Anshuman Rath helped Hong Kong to 241 for eight from their allotted 50 overs.

Afghanistan only managed 195 for nine in response in an innings reduced to 46 overs.

Scotland won by four wickets over Nepal elsewhere today in Group B at the Queens Sports Club.

They only required 41.3 overs to score 153 for six and chase down their target thanks to an unbeaten 88 from Kyle Coetzer.

It guaranteed Scotland's progression to the Super Sixes stage.

In Group A, United Arab Emirates beat The Netherlands by six wickets after chasing down the Dutch total of 176 with six overs to spare.

West Indies were similarly successful against Papua New Guinea.

Carlos Braithwaite took five for 27 as their Oceanian opponents were bowled out for 200.

Jason Holder then scored an unbeaten 99 as they chased down their target in 43 overs.

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.